I would most certainly like to preface this ignition by saying if you don’t currently consume this leafy green then I urge you with a happy heart to begin! A relative of beets, Swiss Chard is a a relatively easy green to grow in both the ground or in alternative sources such as containers or pots. It is tolerant of the heat, and may also thrive in the cooler temperatures that adorn the earlier parts of the fall and winter. In fact there are many leafy greens that taste optimal with a touch of frost, making their continual seasonal presence in the garden desirable.
The breed of Chard we grow in our garden is called “Bright Lights” and is known most for the stunning rainbow of ribs and veins that it produces. I cannot exude enough love for this green and its place in my heart and on my plate!
Chard may be consumed both raw and cooked – leaf and stem. It is nutrient dense with both minerals and vitamins (C, K, A, E to name a few), and is quite low in calories which makes it a positive and healthy choice.
Swiss Chard may be harvested as soon the outer leaves reach just a few inches, they are a treat while they are young and tender. The trick is to harvest from the outside to allow the inner leaves time to grow and strengthen into maturity. Mature plants may reach up to a few feet! Some claim a bitterness to the larger leaves, however I seem to have an affinity to this aspect of taste. It is extremely hard not to be completely transfixed with this plant in general. Plants will produce a continuous harvest.
To extend the harvest the kitchen gardener could try a simple , allowing protection from the elements and a fresh supply further into the year’s end.
A single issue I could raise with chard and beet cultivation (spinach as well), is the attraction of leaf miners to the leaves.
The above picture is damage caused to the leaf by the miners. For reasons unknown, the very thought of leaf miners causes me to shiver! It may be something about their operation of order – the flies will lay the eggs onto the leaves and what hatches will crawl INTO the leaf to feed – this is what causes the slightly burnt and withered look to the leaf. (It could also simply be their name!) Leaf miners may be prone to infestation if not noticed and dealt with. Neem is a preventative organic option, but it’s hard to deal with the creature once it’s on the inside.
The best method is to stop the outbreak from ever occurring. Not making an initial acquaintance with these wormy flies is the best acquaintance! I highly recommend the usage of – a method that is tried and true in protecting my beet family greens and spinach. The row covers allow air flow and water permeation while completely protecting the greens from the insect element. The result of simple protection is undeniable happiness!
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