Are you in love with homegrown swiss chards but lack the space to grow them? Do not worry when you can get a little more creative! It’s beautiful, nutritious, and easy to grow. So, why not understand how to grow swiss chard in containers?
This way, you can grow your stock of fresh and healthy leafy greens even with limited space. And it’s simple too! All you need is a pot, some potting mix, and seeds. Let’s jump to the steps!
Is It Easy To Grow Swiss Chard In Containers?
Swiss chard is one of the most accessible leafy greens you can grow in containers. They are not very demanding and will give you a bountiful harvest with little effort. Swiss chard is an excellent plant for beginners as well as experienced gardeners.
Wait, What You Need To Grow Swiss Chard In Containers!
You will need some basic supplies to get started. Here is a list of things you need:
- A pot or container: Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. A 5-gallon container is ideal for growing swiss chard.
- Potting mix: You can use a potting mix or make your own by mixing compost, perlite, and peat moss.
- Seeds: You can get swiss chard seeds from your local nursery or online.
- Water: Chard loves water and needs to be kept evenly moist.
- Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer will do the trick. Apply it once a month.
Now that you have all the supplies let’s get started!
So, How To Grow Swiss Chard In Containers?
Follow these simple steps, and you will have a thriving crop of swiss chard in no time:
Step 1: Choose The Right Container
The first step is to choose a suitable container for your swiss chard plant. As we mentioned, ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. A 5-gallon container is an ideal size for growing swiss chard.
Choosing a container is the first and foremost step in gardening, so make sure you do not skip it! And remember, it’s where your plant will live for its lifetime, so choose wisely.
Step 2: Fill The Container With Potting Mix
Since its roots are delicate, we need to use a potting mix that is light and airy. You can buy a potting mix from your local nursery or make your own by mixing compost, perlite, and peat moss. While filling the container with potting mix, leave an inch of space at the top.
Step 3: Plant The Seeds
Once you have filled the pot with potting mix, it is time to plant the seeds. Swiss chard seeds are relatively large, so you do not need to plant too many. Two or three seeds per pot should be enough. Plant the seeds ½ inch deep in the potting mix and water them well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Step 4: Place The Pot In A Sunny Spot
Place the pot in a sunny spot where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you live in a hot climate, ensure the pot does not get direct afternoon sun.
Step 5: Water The Plant
Chard loves water and needs to be kept evenly moist. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the plant sit in water, leading to root rot. Stick your finger in the soil to check if the plant needs water.
Step 6: Fertilize The Plant
A balanced fertilizer will do the trick. Apply it once a month. You can either use a liquid fertilizer or mix the granules in the potting mix before planting the seeds.
Step 7: Harvest The Swiss Chard
Now it’s the fun time! Wait for the leaves to grow 6-8 inches long before you harvest them. You can cut the leaves or pull them out of the pot. Swiss chard is a leafy green, so you must keep harvesting the leaves to encourage new growth.
And that’s it! These are the simple steps you must follow to grow swiss chard in containers. Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy.
The Health Benefits Of Using Swiss Chard In The Kitchen
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable often used in Mediterranean cooking. It contains nutrients, vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and minerals. Swiss chard also has many health benefits.
Studies have shown that it can help to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, Swiss chard is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage.
As a result, incorporating Swiss chard into your diet can be an excellent way to boost your health. Next time you are at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some Swiss chard and give it a try! Have you ever wondered about growing strawberries in hanging containers and kale in containers?
Swiss Chard Container Care Tips
Swiss chard is a nutritious leafy green vegetable grown in containers. If you’re thinking of growing Swiss chard in a pot, here are a few care tips to keep in mind.
· Swiss Chard Likes Full Sun And Well-drained Soil.
If using a standard potting mix, add extra perlite or vermiculite to help drainage. Swiss chard is a heavy feeder, so be sure to fertilize regularly. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every two weeks should suffice.
· Keep An Eye Out For Pests And Diseases.
Common pests include aphids, leaf miners, and whiteflies. Common diseases include downy mildew and powdery mildew. If you see any signs of pests or disease, take action immediately.
· Water Swiss Chard Regularly, Especially During Hot Weather.
Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Harvest Swiss chard when the leaves are large and tender. Cut the leaves off at the base of the plant; they will quickly regrow. Repeat harvest for continuous crops of delicious Swiss chard leaves throughout the growing season!
Final Words
We hope you found these Swiss chard container care tips helpful. Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse that is easy to grow in pots. You can enjoy fresh Swiss chard all season long with a bit of care. Don’t forget to check out vegetables that grow in shallow containers and what vegetables grow well together in containers?
