Plant out your Swiss Chard this month — conditions are right now.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalMove seedlings outside carefully
- •Harden off plants
- •Prepare soil outdoors
- •Space plants correctly
- •Water well after planting
Watch Out For
Slugs target young plants heavily
protect with grit or copper tape and transplant once plants are sturdy enough to recover from minor damage
Bolts quickly in prolonged heat or drought
water consistently during dry spells and choose bolt-resistant varieties for summer sowings
Powdery mildew in dry conditions
water at the base, avoid wetting the leaves and improve airflow between plants
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Swiss Chard in the UK
When do I sow Swiss chard in the UK?
Sow Swiss chard from April to July. It grows quickly and can be harvested within 8–10 weeks of sowing. Autumn sowings (late August) will produce through winter under a cloche.
Can I grow Swiss chard in shade?
Swiss chard tolerates partial shade better than most vegetables — making it a good choice for less sunny spots. Full sun gives the fastest growth, but 3–4 hours of direct sun per day is sufficient.
Is Swiss chard the same as spinach?
No — they are different plants. Swiss chard has thick, colourful stems and large, crinkled leaves. It is generally easier to grow, more productive, and far less likely to bolt than true spinach.
How do I harvest Swiss chard?
Harvest outer leaves from the base once plants are 20–25cm tall, leaving the central growing point and younger leaves intact. Plants will continue producing for months. One plant can provide harvests for an entire season.
Member guides
There's more to growing Swiss Chard than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
