Growing Swiss chard in pots or containers is a great way to have fresh greens at your fingertips, whether you live in a house or an apartment! Today we'll show you how to grow Swiss chard in pots or containers so you can enjoy Swiss chard all season long, whether you live in a house or an apartment!
How to Grow Swiss Chard in Pots
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Like lettuce, Swiss chard is a cold season crop and that means it needs a cooler environment in order to grow. Those living in tropical climates may have a harder time growing Swiss chard, but it can still be done as long as the Swiss chard is planted in a colder month.
Learning how to grow Swiss chard in pots is great because the pots can be brought indoors during colder days, then brought back outdoors once the weather grows.
Planting Swiss Chard:
- Swiss chard needs plenty of roots to spread its roots, so make sure you have a pot that's at least 6 to 12 inches.
- Choose a good pet or compost mix soil.
- The soil needs to be constantly moist as Swiss chard IS 95% water, but make sure the roots are never sitting in water. This may cause root rot.
- Be sure your pot has good drainage holes to prevent excess water and root rot.
- Before planting, add 1/2 tablespoon of time release fertilizer per gallon of soil.
- Swiss chard transplants should be planted 1/4 inch deeper than they would be in garden soil.
- Set each Swiss chard head about 6-12 inches apart.
- Seeds can be sown once the soil is no longer frozen, 1/2 inch deep and 4-12 inches apart.
Caring For Your Swiss Chard Plant:
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- Make sure soil is always moist, but never over-watered.
- Because of its shallow roots, Swiss chard responds best to consistent, shallow watering.
Harvesting Swiss Chard:
- You can start harvesting your Swiss chard after about 65 days if planted in the fall, and about 100 days after planted in the winter.
- Simply snip or break off the leaves and your Swiss chard will keep producing.
- If you remove the entire head, you will have to replant again next season.
Happy Planting!
