How to Grow Swiss Chard—an Easy-to-Grow Green That Thrives in the Cold

Swiss chard is one of the best vegetables you can grow in your garden—it's easy to care for, it grows quickly, and it's very hardy. Once you've harvested it, this leafy green tastes delicious in salads, soups, or as a sautéed side. It's also rich in nutrients and contains vitamins A, C, as well as many antioxidants.

Since it's so cold-tolerant and grows in hardiness zones 2a to 11b, Swiss chard may be top of mind for you during fall and winter. Before you start caring for it, however, make sure you know the proper steps to help this plant thrive.

How to Plant

Swiss chard is very versatile and will grow in raised beds, in the ground, and in containers. "I personally plant my chard in the spring, as soon as the soil is workable, around my last average frost date," says Luay Ghafari, author of Seed to Table and creator of Urban Farm and Kitchen. "It will continue to grow into summer and fall."

Since Swiss chard is a cold-weather plant, it will thrive even when the temperatures start to drop during the chillier seasons; however, a hard frost and temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit will be too much for it.

Care Instructions

Swiss chard is relatively easy to grow, so even beginner gardeners can give it a try and reap the delicious rewards. Below, everything you need to know to get started.

Water

It's best to water Swiss chard regularly, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, adjusting to rain. "I like to use a drip irrigation system on a timer, which takes the guesswork out of it," adds Ghafari.

Soil

Chard isn't too picky when it comes to soil. "The key is to make sure your growing medium is amended well," adds Ghafari.

In the spring, he recommends amending raised beds with compost, worm castings, and manure. "This prepares my beds for planting and introduces organic matter into the soil, so that the soil organisms can break it down into nutrients for my plants," he says.

Sun

The amount of sunlight your Swiss chard needs will depend on your climate. "If you live in a cooler climate, plant it in full sun," says Ghafari. "If you live in a region that's prone to heatwaves, plant it in partial shade so that it can get some relief."

He recommends using a shade cloth during heat waves to keep the plants cool.

Fertilizer

In most cases, you won't have to fertilize your Swiss chard. However, if you've planted your crop in a container, then it can be a beneficial step. In that case, Ghafari recommends using a nitrogen-rich liquid organic fertilizer a few times during the growing season.

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Pest Control

Overall, Swiss chard should be straightforward to grow—but it is prone to pests. Ghafari warns that, since it's part of the same family as spinach and beets, it attracts leaf miner fly.

"They lay white eggs usually on the underside of the leaves," he says. "The eggs hatch and the larvae burrow in the leaves—they can stunt the growth and render it inedible and unappetizing."

Prevention is key. Cover Swiss chard with a row cover or barrier: "Tulle is a great option, and is readily available," he adds. (Remember that anytime you cover a crop, wildlife may get entangled or trapped inside—so regular checking is advised!)

Harvesting

"Swiss chard can be harvested at any stage," says Ghafari. "In baby leaf form, it can be used in salads. As the leaves grow larger, they'll be better suited for soups and stews."

To ensure future growth, regularly harvest the outer leaves, but always leave the center intact. "Leaves can be snapped off at the base, but it's safer to use a pair of garden shears to avoid inadvertently pulling the whole plant out," he adds.