- 1). Choose a site that gets full sun (partial shade in hot regions). Chard prefers well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter and high in nitrogen, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 (see "How to Have Your Soil Tested," under Related eHows). Work well-composted manure into the soil to boost its nitrogen level.
- 2). Sow seeds directly into the ground one to two weeks before the last expected frost. In mild climates you can also plant in autumn for winter and early-spring harvests. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 4 inches apart. They'll germinate in about a week if the soil temperature is 60 degrees F.
- 3). Thin the plants when they're about 6 inches tall; either eat the young greens or replant them elsewhere in the garden. Leave 8 to 10 inches between plants, a little less if you plan to pick leaves often or if you want a denser look in an ornamental planting.
- 4). Mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. About four weeks after planting, water plants with manure tea.
- 5). Provide an inch of water a week, especially in hot weather. Drought-stressed plants are prone to bolt (flower and go to seed prematurely), and both stalks and leaves will turn fibrous and bitter. If a flower stalk appears, clip it off to prolong the harvest.
- 6). Begin harvesting single leaves when they're 5 to 6 inches long. If you harvest plants regularly, they'll continue to produce new growth at the center.
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