Chard prefers full sun early in the growing season, and partial shade in summer when it’s warmest. It requires consistent water, especially when the plants grow large or during hot dry spells in the summer. Aphids, slugs, and leaf miners love chard, but can be controlled easily by disposing of the affected leaves or hosing pests away with a blast of water. Don’t forget to look underneath leaves for rows of pearl-white eggs, which will need to be destroyed. Beer traps or a ring of salt will help prevent slugs from ruining this nutritious crop. Chard can be used the same way as spinach, and the hearty, brightly-colored stems can be pickled. Preserve chard by blanching and freezing, or use a dehydrator and add flakes to soups later on.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Slugs, Flea Beetles, Rove Beetle, Leaf Miners

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Damping Off, Bolting, Curly Top, Black Rot