Chard is a fantastic vegetable that you will be able to harvest and enjoy throughout the seasons, the key is how you tend to the plant by removing the dead leaves and outer stalks.
We're joining Charles Dowding in his garden where he shows us a beautiful selection of colours. These hardy and fast-growing plants were transplanted four weeks ago & Charles is taking the first harvest today.
When harvesting, take the leaves with the stalk. Start with the outermost stalks first. Twist and push downward to get off the whole stalk so the next pick is easier. If there is slight discoloration on the top and bottom of the leaf, take those off as they won’t grow anymore. You may find harvesting reveals lower leaves, already decomposing. Take these off the patch to be composted, they are a perfect slug habitat!
TOP TIP: Chard is best sown in the middle of April to avoid 'bolting'.