Topic: Optimum soil conditions for chard?

[Hyacinth]

For the first time this year I grew Bright Lights - and still picking from the plants. I grew it in soil which had been neither manured or limed or, in fact, had ever had veggies grown on it, and it did well -  but for next year I'd like to get the best poss. conditions for it..should I fork in a little well-rotten now and lightly lime in early spring, or what? Thanks, Lish

[rdak]

Lishka,

I think Chard is pretty undemanding. I grew perpetual spinach this year (which is very similar to Chard) on soil that had previously been under a patio. I had just put a bit of pelleted chicken manure before I transplanted the seedlings in and gave it the occasional liquid feed. I've had an unbelievable amount of spinach- having to chuck most of it on the compost heap because I can't keep up with it. I think mine and your experience shows these plants are very good at growing without too much attention to soil. I would just add a bit of compost and see how next year goes.

[Doris_Pinks]

Lish, I have been growing Bright lights for years.we love it, and it will re-sprout in the spring to give you more pickings whilst you are growing next years from seed!! ( in the south anyhow!) Mine does not get any particular attention!  My book says " prefers a nitrogen rich soil" so a site that has had peas or beans in it before would be good! Book also says "prepare site by diggin in manure or compost". Hope this helps  ;D Dottie P.

[rdak]

If you can be without Chard during the winter, maybe replace it with a nitrogen-fixing green manure through the winter, which is dug in just before sowing the new lot.

[tim]

- a great aspiration - but all this big better best lark - like stuffing a mushroom?

We grow it in different spots each year, with nothing more than occasional compost, and certainly no fert, and still it goes on. Can't send a photo 'cos we've just done a huge double pick for the children, and we're down to the new shoots.!

Just possible that too much nitrogen might make it too soft to stand the winter??  Don't forget that it freezes well, and is especially nice blended with a béchamel. Tim

[cleo]

Hi Lishka

Stop worrying,will grow in most conditions-a drop or two of muck or compost in the winter will be good but not essential.

Stephan

[Hyacinth]

Thanks all. Shall stop clucking like an old hen abt. it - that, or get myself adopted by Eric - Lishka