Although swiss chard looks similar to spinach they are not related, chard is actually a member of the beet family. The majority of plants will benefit from growing with other types of plant and swiss chard is no exception. Swiss chard companion plants will be of benefit to your plants in some way.
swiss chard companion plants
Like it’s near relative beetroot, swiss chard is relatively easy to grow with not much in the way of pests, with the exception of slugs and snails attacking young leaves. There are various types of chard, look out for rainbow chard which comes with white, red, or yellow stalks.
Radishes and Swiss Chard
probably one of the most easy going of all vegetables, radishes thrive when grown in companion with swiss chard.
Beetroot and Swiss Chard
Members of the same family, beetroot and swiss chard will grow together very happily. Of course you can also eat the leaves of beetroot plants and young leaves from both make a good addition in the salad bowl.
Celery and Swiss Chard
Celery will do well growing alongside swiss chard.
Leaf Beet and Swiss Chard
Like it’s close relative beetroot, leaf beet will also grow well with swiss chard.
Spinach and Swiss Chard
There is some similarity in these plants but they aren’t related at all. That doesn’t mean they can’t be grown together, they like the same growing conditions and will get along nicely together.
Cabbage and Swiss Chard
Not only cabbage but all other brassicas will all do well with swiss chard as long as you allow enough room for the plants to develop.
Dwarf Beans and Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is beneficial to members of the legume family, possibly due to the high magnesium levels found in the leaves. To find out more on the importance of magnesium in plants click here to go to an article by science direct.
Garlic and Swiss Chard
It is reported that garlic grown in companion with swiss chard will improve the flavour of the chard.
Lettuce and Swiss Chard
Growing lettuce as a companion to swiss chard is an agreeable combination as they both have similar requirements to grow.
Onions and Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard and onions make good growing companions as both are left in the soil for a long time.
Mint and Swiss Chard
Growing any member of the mint family as a companion with swiss chard is said to improve the flavour of the chard. However caution should be exercised as mint can be invasive.
What Not To Grow With Swiss Chard
As with all plants there are some that don’t get along so well with Swiss chard these include…
Runner (Pole) Beans and Swiss Chard
Due to their height don’t grow runner(pole) beans in companion with swiss chard. The chard will suffer with restricted growth.
Herbs and Swiss Chard
With the exception of mint (as stated above) chard doesn’t do too good if any other herb is growing nearby.
Cucumbers and Swiss Chard
Due to their need for nutrient rich soil, cucumbers don’t grow well in companion with swiss chard. In fact no member of this family should be planted in close proximity.
Squash and Swiss Chard
Another nutrient hungry plant group swiss chard will not do well growing near to any type of squash.
Melons and Swiss Chard
Swiss chard will not get enough nutrients if grown anywhere near to melons. Melons are another nutrient hungry crop so it’s best to keep these apart.
Potatoes and Swiss Chard
Not only do potatoes need lifting long before the swiss chard is finished producing, but also potatoes are another crop that needs nutrient rich soil.
Sweetcorn and Swiss Chard
One more nutrient hungry plant and another plant that will cause too much shade. Grow sweetcorn in a different part of the garden to swiss chard.
So there it is, swiss chard companion plants the good and the bad, I hope this guide has been of help to you. If it has please let me know in the comment section below.