When to plant or sow Swiss Chard?

Swiss chard thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, though it performs best in moisture-retentive loam or clay. Before sowing or planting, prepare the bed by digging in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure to improve soil structure and fertility. The soil should be firm but not compacted, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can sow chard directly outdoors from April through to July, allowing for successive harvests throughout the growing season. Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in drills spaced 30–40 cm apart. Each chard "seed" is actually a cluster, so several seedlings may emerge together; thin these to a final spacing of 25 cm once they're large enough to handle. Alternatively, sow indoors in modules from March onwards and transplant seedlings out after hardening off, spacing them 25 cm apart in rows. Water the drill or planting holes thoroughly before sowing or transplanting, especially in dry weather. After planting, water gently to settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks to encourage strong establishment. Chard is relatively fast-growing and doesn't require staking, but a light mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the base of young plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid planting too early in cold, wet soil, as this can lead to bolting later in the season. For the best leaf quality, choose a spot with some afternoon shade in midsummer, particularly if your soil tends to dry out quickly.