Unlock the Vibrant Flavors of Homegrown Swiss Chard in NYC

Where it Fits in NYC

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Why I Grow It

I grow Swiss chard because it is one of the most reliable crops for an urban environment. It thrives in our Zone 7b climate, staying productive from early spring all the way through the fall. Since space is a luxury, I love that it fits so well into containers on my balcony or rooftop. It is also my favorite plant for intercropping; I grow it alongside my tomatoes, peppers, and carrots to make the most of every inch of soil.

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Growth Essentials

Light

Swiss chard needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hot climates.

‍Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright light or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist, watering regularly. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature

Swiss chard is a cool weather crop and flourishes in 50-85°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in April-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 60-70°F year-round.

Containers

Indoors: 8-10" wide, 8" deep, 2 gallons.

‍Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 10-12" deep, 3-5 gallons

Soil

Swiss chard loves nutrient-rich mix with compost from vegetable peelings or garden compost. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Fertilizer

Use balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer 16-16-16 or 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks.

Organic Options: fish emulsion, compost tea. Heavy feeders need steady nutrients.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest outer Swiss chard leaves regularly to promote continuous growth. Regular trimming ensures a steady supply of fresh, colorful leaves.

Harvest Time

Moderate: 7-9 Weeks

Young Swiss chard leaves growing closely together in a container garden

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

Yellow leaves usually mean the soil is too wet. NYC humidity makes it hard for water to evaporate from pots.

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How to Fix It:

Make sure your pot has holes in the bottom. Only water when the top of the soil feels dry. Adding worm castings helps the soil stay healthy and drain well.

What are these tiny bugs on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

Aphids love the large, juicy leaves of Swiss chard. They are very common in crowded NYC balcony gardens.

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How to Fix It:

You can buy ladybugs to release on your plants to eat the aphids. You can also wash the bugs off with a strong spray of water in your sink.

Why is my Swiss chard growing so slowly?

Why It's Happening:

Swiss chard is a heavy feeder. In the city, plants in pots quickly use up all the nutrients in their soil.

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How to Fix It:

Give your plants a balanced 10-10-10 plant food every two weeks. Mix in fresh compost once a month to give the roots more energy.

Why is my plant wilting?

Why It's Happening:

Give your plants a balanced 10-10-10 plant food every two weeks. Mix in fresh compost once a month to give the roots more energy.

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How to Fix It:

Water your chard deeply in the morning. If it is very hot, move the pot to a spot with a little shade. Adding compost helps the soil hold onto water.

Why are there spots on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

This is leaf spot. It happens because city air stays wet and does not move well between tall buildings.

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How to Fix It:

Cut off the leaves with spots and throw them away. Space your plants out so air can move. Use beneficial nematodes to keep the plant strong.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Red leaf lettuce rosette growing tightly in a New York City garden

Bibb Lettuce

Red and orange marigold flower in full bloom in an urban garden setting

Marigolds

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Swiss chard is extremely high in magnesium and potassium, which help maintain healthy blood pressure and nerve transmission.

Curated Gear For Growing

Mycorrhizal Fungi Soil Booster

Mycorrhizal Fungi Soil Booster

I use this to encourage stronger roots in containers and raised beds. Healthier roots mean more resilient plants and better harvests.

Organic Leafy Greens & Lettuce Seed Starter Collection

Organic Leafy Greens & Lettuce Seed Starter Collection

This is an excellent beginner-friendly greens mix, fast-growing, cut-and-come-again varieties that work especially well in containers and hydroponics.

Lettuce & Salad Greens Seed Variety Pack

Lettuce & Salad Greens Seed Variety Pack

This is a fantastic starter pack for lettuce lovers. The mix lets you grow cut-and-come-again salads, experiment with flavors, and harvest fresh greens year-round.

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

This is an excellent starter pack if you want to experiment with many crops at once and learn what grows best in your space without overthinking seed selection

Down To Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer 4-4-4

This is my favorite foundational fertilizer for containers because it’s gentle and perfect for feeding a wide mix of vegetables

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Plants need trace minerals just like we do, I add azomite every spring to keep soil balanced and crops more flavorful especially in containers

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

I like this for containers and raised beds when I want better nutrient holding power and steadier watering especially for heavy feeding vegetables

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

I use this in almost every soil mix to prevent compaction and keep roots healthy especially in containers

Premium Organic Compost

Premium Organic Compost

Great for topping off containers and garden beds when soil needs a gentle nutrient boost without a strong odor

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Great for refreshing tired soil and boosting beds and large containers especially outdoors

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

I only use this outdoors to build soil fertility and improve texture in garden beds and large containers

Organic Vermiculite Soil Amendment

I use vermiculite for seed starting and indoor mixes because it keeps soil evenly moist without compacting which is key in containers and trays

Organic Worm Castings Soil Amendment

I use this as a top dressing or adding to my soil mix because it improves plant health and works especially well in containers

Compressed Organic Potting Soil Made from Coconut Coir and Worm Castings

This is great for small spaces and apartments because it stores easily, expands fast and holds moisture really well without getting soggy

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

This is my go to base soil mix for containers and seed starting, the mycorrhizae really help roots establish faster especially in pots and grow bags

Organic Compost for Containers Raised Beds and Gardens

Organic Compost for Containers, Raised Beds and Gardens

I love adding this to outdoor container mixes to boost soil life and improve water holding especially for balcony and rooftop gardens

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

I love this for containers because the mycorrhizae help roots establish fast especially in pots on balconies and terraces

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Container Gardener’s Handbook

Great reference book for beginners who want simple reliable container growing advice for balconies, patios and indoors

The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible

One of the best beginner friendly books for learning how to grow real food in containers even on patios, balconies and terraces

The Bountiful Container

The Bountiful Container

A classic container gardening book that proves you can grow almost anything in pots, perfect for balconies, terraces and small urban spaces

Field Guide to Urban Gardening Book

One of the best mindset-shifting books for city gardeners, it shows you how to grow food anywhere, no yard required

Grow Bag Gardening Book

This is a sustainable resource for urban gardeners using balconies, rooftops or small outdoor spaces who want high yields without heavy containers

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Perfect for NYC terraces or backyards where you’re splitting water between irrigation systems

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

This is perfect for balconies, rooftops, or apartments without outdoor water hookups

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

My favorite watering wand - perfect for hanging baskets, tall containers, and hard-to-reach spots, and the ultra-gentle shower is great for seedlings

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for balcony and patio gardeners who don’t have an outdoor hose hookup

Adjustable Drip Irrigation System Kit for Garden & Raised Beds

I use this to water my outdoor garden, it keeps plants consistently watered and saves a ton of time, especially in the summer

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

I like this for keeping ants and other crawling pests under control naturally

Live Beneficial Nematodes Hb + Sc + Sf

Live Beneficial Nematodes Hb + Sc + Sf

These beneficial nematodes help control fungus gnats, thrips (soil stage), grubs, root weevils, and cutworms in NYC gardens

Live Ladybugs for Natural Pest Control

I like these for outdoor aphid outbreaks, but I wouldn’t release them indoors

8 oz Refillable Spray Bottles

8 oz Refillable Spray Bottles

I like these because they’re perfect for mixing neem, soap, and plant sprays at home

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

I like this because it gently washes bugs off plants and pests hate the peppermint scent

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

I love these because they stay readable in blazing summer sun and rain

Organic Leafy Greens Seed Variety Pack

Organic Leafy Greens Seed Variety Pack

These are an easy starter pack for growing lettuce, kale, spinach hydroponically

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

I love these because they feel perfect in hand and make the cleanest cuts

Plastic Plant Saucer Drip Trays

Plastic Plant Saucer Drip Trays

I use these to hold extra rainwater on balconies where watering is tricky

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

I love this because it grows a lot of food indoors without taking up much space

Digital pH Meter for Hydroponics and Water

Digital pH Meter for Hydroponics and Water

It removes guesswork when mixing nutrients for hydroponics, pH is important

Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System with Trellis

Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System with Trellis

You could grow large veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers indoors

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

I love this for experienced growers ready to scale up to serious indoor hydroponics

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

I love this because it lets you go all in on hydroponics indoors with real yields

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

I like this because it stays flexible and is easier to maneuver while watering

2 Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for container gardens, holds enough water to care for multiple plants at once

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Ideal for a backyard garden if you plan to stay put for a while and get big harvests year after year

Elevated Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage Shelf

Great for terrace or backyard gardening, the raised height makes planting most anything easier

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Great for terraces, the elevated look feels architectural and works well for nearly all plants

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

One of my favorite planters I have grown almost everything in these perfect for intercropping

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

A cute option for outdoor herb gardens great for starting an herb garden

12 Inch Round Planter with Saucer 3 Gallon

A great size for growing one pepper plant outdoors with oregano, thyme, or lettuce planted alongside

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

For outdoor gardens have one tomato or pepper as your star crop and tuck lettuce or herbs around

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

A cuter upgrade from basic black pots great for beginners with a backyard, terrace or patio

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack nyc garden

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack

If you are growing tomatoes, squash or cucumbers outdoors these 10 bags can be your entire setup

6 8 10 Inch Plant Saucer - 12 Pack Round Plant Tray Plastic Plant Drip Trays for Indoor Outdoor Garden Plants, Collects Flower Pot Drainage and Excess Water

Heavy-Duty Plant Saucers (6”–10”) – 12 Pack

I use these to catch rain water that plants can soak up when needed

Elephant Watering Can

Long trunk which helps in watering plants.

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