There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own vegetables, especially when it comes to leafy greens. Silver beet aka Swiss chard is a delicious leafy green vegetable that have a sweet, nutty flavor and are packed with nutrition. The Silver Beet or Swiss Chard is quite distinct from the Red Beet, in so much as it is solely grown for the leaves and does not form a root of any account for edible use. Growing silver beet is easy and can be done in almost any kind of soil. Let’s take a look at how you can grow these tasty greens in your own garden.
The leaves form a splendid substitute for, and are stripped from the midrib and cooked similarly to Spinach. As Silver Beet is more easily grown than Spinach it makes a particularly fine substitute for this “healthy” vegetable. The midribs of the leaves can be boiled or steamed and served with white sauce similarly to Celery, which vegetable they very much resemble in flavor.
Where to plant Silver beet
Silver Beet requires a rich well manured soil (with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5), and a fine, thoroughly prepared seed bed. Seed can be sown during Spring, but it is unnecessary to plant a succession as the plants will continue to bear until cut down by frost. Silver Beet will live through a mild Winter, and will start to bear again in the Spring. It is best to avoid planting in areas that are prone to waterlogging or where the soil is too wet. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant silver beet in partial shade as they can be susceptible to heat stress during this time of year.
Planting Silver beet
Silver beet and Swiss chard can be planted in spring after the last frost has passed or in autumn for a winter crop. If planting early, make sure you have some kind of cover such as row covers or plastic tunnels for protection from cold weather and pests such as slugs and snails.
Top Tip: Before sowing, steep the seed in cold, clean water for eighteen to twenty hours. This will considerably quicken as well as facilitate germination.
To plant silver beet, sow seeds ¼ inch deep into furrows spaced 12 inches apart, then cover lightly with soil. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the seedbed moist until germination occurs (usually within 10-14 days). When the young plants are about 4 inches high, thin out to 2 inches apart, and about a week later remove every other seedling and continue this “thinning out” process until the plants are 15 inches apart in the rows. These remaining plants will constitute the permanent crop. The later seedlings removed will be large enough to cook as “greens,” and need not be wasted.
The permanent crop will be ready to pick about Summer, and will continue to bear until the Winter. The only cultivation necessary is working the soil thoroughly, keeping down the weeds, and in seeing that the plants have the right amount of moisture. You can also start silver beet indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting outside for an earlier harvest time if desired.
Silver beet aka Swiss chard is a great addition to any vegetable garden due to their high nutritional value, delicious taste when cooked – and let’s not forget good looks!
With just a little effort, you can have an abundant crop of these leafy greens at your fingertips all season long! Whether you choose to start them inside or direct sow them outdoors, following these tips will help ensure success no matter what stage of gardening you’re at.
