Chard

Chard leaves are eaten raw in salads, or both the leaves and stems can be steamed or sautéed as a side dish or soup ingredient.  The colorful stems of Swiss or Rainbow Chard keep their color in cooking, making for a beautiful plate!

Fauna attracted to Chard
Diseases common with Chard
Plant Origin
Europe
Nutrition
Super food! Vitamins: A, K (1 cup= daily recommended amount), C Minerals: magnesium, potassium, iron Other:fiber
Family
Beetroot family
Soil
Rich soil
Water
Spray or drip irrigation. Keep evenly moist for best flavor.
Spacing
2 seeds every 8", rows 6" apart
Depth
1/2" deep
Notes
Thin when 1/2" tall, one every 6-8"
When to harvest
Once plant is at least 10" tall, harvest regularly to encourage production. Stop 1-2 weeks before first student harvest.
Harvesting Tips
See "when" notes. Pick outer leaves by cutting stem all the way to the ground, allowing new leaves to grow from the middle.