Swiss chard is a vibrant and nutrient - rich leafy green that belongs to the same family as beets and spinach plant . It is easy to grow and offer up a uninterrupted harvest throughout the develop season .
However , like all garden plants , Swiss chard flourish well when grown alongside compatible companions . Companion plantingis the practice of strategically placing plant together to heighten growth , deter pests , and maximize yield .
In this guide , we will search the right companion plants for Swiss chard , plants to avoid , and tips for successful comrade planting to ensure your garden flourishes .
Why You Should Consider Companion Planting for Swiss Chard
Companion planting has numerous welfare for Swiss chard , making it a practical approach for any gardener looking to optimise their growing outer space . Here ’s why you should regard it :
1.Pest Control
Swiss chard can draw leaf miners , aphids , and flea beetles . fellow planting helps deter these pests by using natural pest - repellent plants or by attracting beneficial insects that feed on pest .
2.Maximized Space Efficiency
Pairing Swiss chard with compatible plants allows you to make the most of your garden space by interplanting vegetables and herb that grow at different rates or peak .
3.Improved Soil Health
sure plant help enhance the soil by repair atomic number 7 , breaking up press earth , or providing necessary nutrients , all of which do good Swiss chard .
4.Enhanced Growth and Flavor
Some companion plants release good chemical compound that improve the flavor and ontogenesis of Swiss chard by leave shade , nutrient , or deterring contest from gage .
Best Companion Plants for Swiss Chard
Swiss chard pairs well with several vegetables , herbs , and heyday that provide mutual benefits . Here are some of the good familiar plant to grow alongside it :
1.Brassicas (Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower)
These veggie share similar grow conditions with Swiss chard and provide fond shadiness , which helps keep the soil moist and cool . They also work well together because Swiss chard does not compete aggressively for nutrients .
2.Alliums (Garlic, Onions, Chives, Leeks)
Allium help deter common pests like aphids , slugs , and beetles due to their strong olfactory property . Garlic and onion , in picky , act as natural pest repellents that can protect Swiss chard from infestation .
3.Carrots
carrot and Swiss chard grow well together since their root system do not interpose with each other . Carrots help oxygenize the soil , allow Swiss chard roots to get at nutrients more easily .
4.Beans and Peas
Legumes , including bush bean and peas , are excellent familiar because they fix N in the soil , which benefit Swiss chard by boost lush , gullible growth .
5.Radishes
Raphanus sativus are tight - grow root veggie that do not vie with Swiss chard for nutrients . They also help breach up the soil , give up chard theme to grow more freely .
6.Herbs (Mint, Dill, Cilantro, Basil, Thyme)
Many herbs , such as dill and Coriandrum sativum , attract good insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that prey on harmful pests . Mint is also utile for deterring flea beetles , which can damage Swiss chard farewell .
7.Lettuce and Spinach
Leafy greens like lucre and Spinacia oleracea make excellent companions as they share similar water and nutrient needs . Planting them together grant for a more efficient use of space and reduces weed outgrowth .
8.Marigolds and Nasturtiums
bloom like marigolds and nasturtiums act as trap crops , attracting pests off from Swiss chard . They also enhance biodiversity by attracting pollinator and predatory insects .
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Swiss Chard
While many plants make capital fellow traveler for Swiss chard , some should be avoided as they can hinder its growth or attract unwanted pestis .
1.Beets
Since Swiss chard and common beet belong to to the same plant family ( genus Beta vulgaris ) , they compete for the same nutrient , which can lead to scrawny growth .
2.Corn
Corn is a hard feeder that have gravid amounts of food from the dirt , depriving Swiss chard of essential nutrient .
3.Potatoes
Potatoes are another food - demanding crop that can exhaust the soil , lead to poor Swiss chard growth . to boot , Irish potato can pull pests that also eat on chard .
4.Melons and Cucumbers
These sprawling plant require substantial space and can overshadow Swiss chard , trammel its access to sunlight and airflow .
5.Sunflowers
Sunflowers create chemical substance that can inhibit the growth of nearby plant , let in Swiss chard .
Tips for Growing Companion Plants with Swiss Chard
To successfully implement familiar planting with Swiss chard , follow these practical wind :
1.Plan Your Garden Layout Wisely
Group engraft together establish on their reciprocal benefit while ensuring they have enough space to grow . Taller plant life should be positioned to provide shade without overwhelming Swiss chard .
2.Rotate Crops Each Season
Avoid planting Swiss chard in the same daub year after yr , especially after beet , to keep nourishing depletion and trim down the risk of disease .
3.Use Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulching around Swiss chard help uphold soil wet and cut back weed contest . This is particularly helpful when interplanting with water system - enjoy K like lettuce and spinach .
4.Monitor for Pests Regularly
Even with companion works , pest infestations can still occur . Keep an eye on your industrial plant and introduce natural deterrents like neem rock oil or insect - repelling plants if needed .
5.Practice Succession Planting
Swiss chard can be harvested multiple times , so do succession planting by stagger your planting to ensure a continuous supplying of brisk park .
6.Consider Intercropping for Better Growth
Intercropping Swiss chard with lowly , quick - growing plants like radish or herbs maximizes garden productivity without overcrowding .
7.Provide Adequate Water and Nutrition
Ensure Swiss chard and its companions receive ordered tearing and adequate nutrients . Organic compost and fertilizers help fill again the soil and stick out healthy growth .
Conclusion
Companion planting is a uncomplicated yet effective horticulture technique that enhances the growth and wellness of Swiss chard . By choosing the ripe plant partners , you may deter plague , optimize space , and improve overall garden productivity . Avoid planting nourishing competitors and implement good exercise like harvest rotation , mulching , and proper spatial arrangement to ensure a prospering Swiss chard garden .
