Soil requirements
- Average-to-rich raised-bed mix is enough. It is less fussy than cauliflower.
Watering
- Water when the top inch is dry. Mulch through summer.
Sunlight
Full sun. It forgives part shade with slower growth.
Planting
- Sow after frost danger, or start indoors. One sowing can last until hard freeze.
- Harvest outer stalks; leave the center.
Spacing
- 8–12 inches, or 4 plants per square foot for smaller leaves, 1 per square for big plants.
Common problems
Leaf miners
Tunnels in leaves. Remove mined leaves; row cover on new sowings.
Bolting
Less common than spinach, but a hard drought-to-flood swing can trigger it.
Helpful tools
- Harvest knife
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Are beet greens the same as chard?
They are relatives. Chard is bred for leaves; beets are bred for roots. You can eat both greens.