How to Grow Chard in Illinois

Chard, also known as Swiss chard, is a versatile and nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that thrives in a variety of climates, making it a great choice for home gardeners in Illinois. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavor, chard can be a beautiful addition to your garden and your plate. This article will guide you through the process of growing chard in Illinois, from soil preparation to harvesting.

Understanding Chard

Before diving into the specifics of growing chard, it’s essential to understand what it is and why it’s worth growing. Chard belongs to the beet family and is often recognized by its large, crinkly leaves and colorful stems. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Its adaptability to different growing conditions makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

Choosing the Right Variety

In Illinois, several varieties of chard can flourish. Here are some popular options:

Fordhook Giant: This variety features broad, dark green leaves and thick white stems. It’s known for its high yields and resistance to bolting.
Bright Lights: Characterized by its colorful stems in shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink, this variety not only adds visual appeal but also has excellent flavor.
Lucullus: With its large, smooth leaves and green stems, Lucullus is perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.

When choosing a variety, consider your taste preferences, culinary uses, and garden aesthetics.

When to Plant Chard in Illinois

Chard is a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In Illinois, the ideal planting times are:

Spring: Plant seeds outdoors about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date (around mid-March to early April in most areas).
Fall: For a late-season harvest, plant seeds in late July or early August to allow for growth before frost sets in.

If you’re looking to extend your growing season further, consider starting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and then transplanting them outside when the soil warms up.

Soil Preparation

Chard thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your soil for planting:

Choose a Location: Select a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Test Your Soil: A soil test can help determine pH levels (ideal pH is between 6.0 and 7.0) and nutrient content. Many local extension services offer soil testing kits.
Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. If needed, add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Tilling: Loosen the soil by tilling it to a depth of at least 12 inches. Break up any large clumps and remove debris.
Level the Ground: Rake the area smooth to create an even seedbed.

Planting Chard Seeds

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your chard seeds:

Seed Depth: Sow seeds about 1 inch deep.
Spacing: Space seeds 3-4 inches apart in rows that are about 18 inches apart. If you’re using transplants instead of seeds, space them similarly after hardening off.
Watering: After planting, water gently but thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants once they establish themselves (after emergence) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering and Fertilization

Proper watering and fertilization are crucial for successfully growing chard:

Watering

Chard prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to waterlogging. Here’s how to manage watering effectively:

Frequency: Water deeply once a week or more frequently if rainfall is insufficient (especially during hot summer months).
Technique: Aim for deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering; this encourages deep root growth.
Signs of Stress: Watch for signs of wilting or yellowing leaves; these may indicate either overwatering or underwatering.

Fertilization

Chard benefits from periodic feeding:

Initial Fertilization: Mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
Midseason Feeding: Apply additional fertilizer (a nitrogen-rich option works well) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season as leaves start expanding.

Pest Management

While chard is relatively pest-resistant, certain pests may still pose threats:

Common Pests:

Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from leaves; can be managed with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Leaf Miners: Larvae that create tunnels within leaves; hand-picking or using neem oil can help control infestations.
Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause significant damage; set out traps or use organic slug bait.

Preventive Measures:

Crop Rotation: Avoid planting chard in the same location year after year.
Companion Planting: Consider planting garlic or onions nearby as they deter pests naturally.
Physical Barriers: Use row covers during early growth stages to protect young plants from pests.

Harvesting Chard

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing chard is harvesting its nutritious leaves:

Timing: Begin harvesting when plants have developed several large outer leaves (generally around 6-8 weeks after planting).
Harvest Method: Use scissors or garden shears to snip outer leaves just above the base while allowing inner leaves to continue growing—this promotes further leaf production.
Taste Test Before Full Harvesting: If you’re unsure about when to harvest all at once or continue picking selectively, taste-test some leaves for flavor preferences.
Storage: Store harvested chard unwashed in plastic bags in the refrigerator crisper drawer; it should remain fresh for up to a week or more.

Conclusion

Growing chard in Illinois can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for both novice gardeners and seasoned pros alike. With its rich nutritional profile, ease of care, and ability to thrive in cooler climates, chard is an excellent addition to any home garden. By following these guidelines on planting times, soil preparation, maintenance practices like watering and pest control, you will be on your way to enjoying abundant harvests of this vibrant vegetable all season long! Happy gardening!