Chard

Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a green leafy vegetable, and a part of the beetroot family. It has large leaf stalks that are often prepared separately from the leaf blade.

Chard has highly nutritious leaves and has been used in cooking for centuries. Fresh chard can be used raw in salads, stir-fries, and soups. Due to their size, the leaves can also be used as a substitute for wraps.

Chard thrives in rich, free-draining soil that retains moisture. It can be planted in the ground or in containers, applying lots of compost, or straight into mulch.

It’s best sown outdoors in spring or early summer. You can even sow a second batch in mid-summer, allowing it to overwinter outdoors so it can provide early harvests the following spring.

Repeated harvests can be carried out throughout the summer and into autumn.

Our planting guides are designed to help you get the best from your fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Every garden is unique, so growing conditions, weather, soil, and climate can affect results. Use this information as a helpful guide, and adapt it to suit your local conditions and gardening experience. Happy growing!