Welcome to our blog post all about growing chard in pots and the amazing benefits it offers! Whether you have limited space or simply prefer container gardening, chard is an excellent choice for your potted garden. Not only does it provide a vibrant burst of color to your outdoor space, but it also packs a nutritional punch that will leave you feeling energized and healthy. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planting and growing chard in pots, as well as the numerous benefits it brings.
What is Chard
Chard, scientifically known as Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla, is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the same family as beets and spinach – Amaranthaceae. It goes by various names around the world, including Swiss chard, silverbeet, perpetual spinach, and strawberry spinach.
With its large leaves and vibrant stems in shades of red, yellow, orange, and white; chard adds a beautiful pop of color to any garden or potted arrangement. The leaves can range from deep green to dark purple depending on the variety.
This versatile plant thrives in cool weather climates and is native to the Mediterranean region. However, it has gained popularity worldwide due to its adaptability to different growing conditions.
Switzerland takes pride in being one of the top-producing countries for chard alongside Italy and France. Other countries like Turkey and Spain also contribute significantly to global chard production.
Now that you have a better understanding of what chard is and where it comes from let’s dive into how you can successfully grow this nutritious powerhouse right in your own pots!
10 Steps on Growing Chard in Pots and Containers
Planting and growing Swiss chard in pots is a great way to enjoy fresh greens even if you have limited space. Here are the numbered steps to help you successfully plant and grow Swiss chard in pots:
- Select a suitable pot: Choose a pot with a minimum diameter of 12 inches and a depth of at least 8 inches. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Choose the right location: Swiss chard thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Find a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Prepare the potting mix: Swiss chard prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Mix equal parts of potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to create a loose and fertile growing medium.
- Sow the seeds: Sow Swiss chard seeds directly into the potting mix. Make shallow furrows about half an inch deep and space the seeds 2-3 inches apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently press them down.
- Water thoroughly: After sowing the seeds, water the potting mix thoroughly to ensure it is evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Provide regular watering: Swiss chard requires consistent moisture to grow well. Water the plants whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize periodically: Swiss chard benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, following the instructions on the packaging. This will help promote healthy growth and leaf production.
- Thin out seedlings: Once the Swiss chard seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out to ensure proper spacing. Leave only the strongest seedling in each spacing of 6-8 inches. This allows room for the plants to grow and prevents overcrowding.
- Harvest the leaves: Swiss chard leaves can be harvested when they reach a size of 6-8 inches. Harvest outer leaves by cutting them off at the base, leaving the center of the plant intact. This will encourage continuous leaf production throughout the growing season.
- Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and leaf miners. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, take appropriate measures such as using organic insecticides or removing affected leaves.
By following these numbered steps, you’ll be able to successfully plant and grow Swiss chard in pots, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and nutritious harvest from your own home.
10 Benefits of Chard
Chard, a leafy green vegetable known for its vibrant colors and earthy flavor, is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. Whether you’re growing chard in pots or incorporating it into your meals, here are 10 reasons to make this nutrient-rich veggie a regular part of your diet.
1. Nutritional Powerhouse: Chard is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
2. Heart-Healthy: The high levels of potassium found in chard can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Bone Health: Chard contains calcium and vitamin K, which play a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
4. Digestive Aid: With its high fiber content, chard helps promote healthy digestion by keeping things moving smoothly through the digestive system.
5. Weight Management: Low in calories yet rich in nutrients, chard is an excellent addition to any weight loss or maintenance plan.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants present in chard have anti-inflammatory effects that may help protect against chronic diseases like arthritis and certain cancers.
7. Eye Health: Chock full of lutein and zeaxanthin – two powerful antioxidants – chard can support eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
8. Blood Sugar Control: Chard’s fiber content slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
9. Immune Boosting Abilities: Packed with immune-boosting vitamins like vitamin C and beta-carotene, chard can strengthen your immune system’s defenses against illness.
10. Beautiful Skin & Hair: The abundance of vitamins A, C, and E, found in chard contribute towards improving skin health.
The antioxidant properties also aid hair growth leaving it shiny, stronger, and healthier-looking.
Side Effects and Disadvantages of Chard
1. Oxalate Content: One potential downside of chard is its high oxalate content. Oxalates are naturally occurring substances that can form crystals in the body, contributing to kidney stones in some individuals. If you have a history of kidney stones or are prone to developing them, it’s best to moderate your intake of chard.
2. Digestive Issues: Chard contains fiber, which is generally beneficial for digestion. However, for some people, consuming large amounts of chard can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your consumption accordingly.
3. Allergic Reactions: Like other leafy greens from the same plant family (Amaranthaceae), chard may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Symptoms can range from mild itching or hives to more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. If you have known allergies related to this plant family, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating chard into your diet.
4. Goitrogenic Compounds: Chard contains goitrogens – compounds that interfere with thyroid function by inhibiting iodine uptake and potentially leading to hypothyroidism if consumed excessively over time. While cooking reduces the goitrogenic effect, those with existing thyroid conditions should exercise caution.
5. Purine Content: People who suffer from gout may want to limit their intake of chard due to its relatively high purine content.
5 Chard Recipes
Chard, with its vibrant and nutritious leaves, is not only a versatile vegetable but also a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or want to experiment with new flavors in your main course, here are five chard recipes that will tickle your taste buds.
1. Sautéed Chard with Garlic: Start by heating some olive oil in a pan and adding minced garlic. Once fragrant, toss in the chopped chard leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple recipe brings out the natural flavors of chard while adding a subtle garlicky kick.
2. Chard Salad with Citrus Dressing: Combine thinly sliced chard leaves with segments of grapefruit or orange for a refreshing salad option. Drizzle it with a citrus vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. Top it off with some toasted nuts or crumbled feta cheese for added texture.
3. Swiss Chard Lasagna Roll-Ups: Instead of traditional pasta sheets, use blanched chard leaves as wrappers for your lasagna filling! Stuff them with ricotta cheese mixed with herbs like basil or oregano, then roll them up tightly before placing them in tomato sauce topped off with melted mozzarella cheese.
4. Cheddar-Stuffed Chard Rolls: Another creative way to enjoy this leafy green is by stuffing large Swiss chard leaves! Mix grated cheddar cheese together with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the filling. Wrap each leaf around the mixture before baking until golden brown.
5. Chardy Green Smoothie: Don’t limit yourself to using greens like spinach or kale; add some fresh chards to your morning smoothie routine! Blend together chopped chards along with fruits like banana, mango, a spoonful of almond butter, and a splash of coconut water for a nutritious and energizing start to your day.
Conclusion
Growing chard in pots can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for any gardening enthusiast. Not only does it provide fresh, nutritious greens right at your doorstep, but it also adds beauty to your garden or balcony with its vibrant colors and attractive foliage.
With proper care and attention, you can successfully grow chard in pots. Start by selecting a suitable container with good drainage and filling it with nutrient-rich soil. Sow the seeds or transplant seedlings about 4-6 inches apart and ensure they receive adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) along with regular watering.
Additionally, growing your own chard gives you control over pesticide usage and ensures that you consume organic produce free from harmful chemicals. It also promotes sustainability by reducing carbon emissions associated with transporting fruits and vegetables from farms to stores.
See Also:
- 10 Fruits that are High in Protein
- 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds for Kids
- 15 Friendliest Chickens for Kids
- Container Gardening: 15 Most Productive Vegetables to Grow in Pots
- 15 Bearded Chickens and some with Muffs & Tuffs