Sasha CampbellSwiss chard is a cool-season vegetable from the Chenopodiaceae family [1]. It’s easy to grow and a great addition to any garden. You can grow it as a stand-alone crop or as a companion plant with other vegetables.
In this post, we will discuss the plants that pair well with Swiss chard, as well as those that are best avoided (those to plant at a distance).
The Best Companion Plants for Swiss Chard
Companion plants are those that enhance the growth and health of other plants.
There are a few companion plants that do a world of good being close to Swiss chard. For example, onions, garlic, and celery help deter certain pests, while basil enhances the flavor of Swiss chard and attracts beneficial insects.
On the other hand, there are a few plants that you should avoid planting near Swiss chard. Mint can spread aggressively and overpower Swiss chard, while pole beans can compete for space.
By pairing Swiss chard with the right companions, you can help it grow vigorously and healthily throughout the entire season.
Below is a comprehensive list of plants that thrive alongside Swiss chard.
- Onions
- Lettuce
- Garlic
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bok Choy
- Celery
- Lavender
- Chives
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Arugula
- Broccoli
- Marigold
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Leeks
- Nasturtiums
What Not to Grow Next to Swiss Chard
It’s essential to know the good neighbors, but it’s also crucial to be aware of which plants you shouldn’t grow near this vegetable.
While Swiss chard is a hardy vegetable that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, there are a few plants that are considered bad companions.
The most notable bad companion for Swiss chard is beets. Both crops share the same pests and diseases. As such, planting them next to each other will only exacerbate the issue.
Other plants to avoid include:
- Melons
- Pole beans
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers
- Pumpkins
- Mint
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Sunflowers
- Corn
Growing Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a great vegetable to grow from seed. Just make sure to sow the seeds in well-drained soil and give them an even supply of water.
They’ll also need partial to full sun to grow well, so try planting them in an area that gets adequate hours of sunlight each day. Once they start growing, be sure to weed the area around them so they can thrive freely.
Container Gardening
Swiss chard is a great container vegetable. It doesn’t require a lot of space and can easily be grown on a windowsill or balcony.
When planting, it’s essential to use a pot with sufficient space (at least 12 inches deep) and drainage holes. You’ll also need to make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size.
Fill the pot with potting mix and bury the plant’s roots up to the base of the leaves. Finally, water the plant generously and place it in a sunny spot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Swiss chard is a light feeder and requires a lot of nitrogen. If you plan to plant it near other plants in your garden, be sure to consider this and fertilize accordingly.
Garden Pests
There are a few garden pests that enjoy snacking on Swiss chard. Among the most common are cucumber beetles, slugs, and snails.
While there’s not much you can do to prevent these pests from attacking your organic plants, there are a few ways to discourage them. For cucumber beetles, you can coat your plant leaves with a neem oil solution. This will deter them from feasting on your chard.
If you’re dealing with slugs or snails, you can place a physical barrier like crushed eggshells around the base of the plant. This will make it difficult for them to crawl up and feast on your chard leaves.
Plant Diseases
Like any garden crop, Swiss chard is susceptible to several plant diseases. Some of them are downy mildew, bacterial soft rot, and damping-off [2].
- Downy mildew is a fungus that causes leaves to develop yellow or light green spots, which eventually wilt and die.
- Damping off affects seedlings, causing water-soaked lesions that can lead to the death of the plant.
- Bacterial soft rot causes water-soaked spots on the leaves and can eventually destroy your plants.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your Swiss chard from developing these plant diseases. For example, you can rotate your crops each year so the disease doesn’t have a chance to build up in the soil.
You can also spray your plants with organic fungicides, such as these, or use other organic methods to control plant diseases.
How to Harvest
Start reaping when the leaves are young and tender. You can also pick them at any stage of growth, depending on what you’re using them for.
Cut the leaves above the soil line.
Storing
If you have a lot of Swiss chard and can’t eat it all at once, bunch the leaves together. Next, use a rubber band to tie them. This keeps the chard fresh for later use.
Place the Swiss chard in your fridge’s produce drawer. This will help the leaves stay fresh for up to five days.
To freeze your Swiss chard, blanch it first before freezing. Once blanched and cooled, you can transfer it to a freezer bag or container. It will last for up to six months.
Where to Buy Seeds
Swiss chard is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown all winter. You can obtain the seeds at most garden centers or purchase them online.
Takeaway
Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that grows well alongside other garden crops. But while some plants work well with it, others should be avoided. By planting the right companion plants, you can help Swiss chard grow and thrive.
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