How to grow silverbeet in a raised bed

Silverbeet (chard) is the workhorse of the veggie patch — hardy, generous and productive for months from a single planting, at an easy picking height in a raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks, then pick for months

When to plant: Silverbeet grows almost year-round in most of Australia, slowing only in the coldest weeks. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Plant into rich, moist mix. Pick the outer leaves regularly and the plant keeps pushing out new growth from the centre for months on end.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for tender leaves. A steady feed keeps the colour and growth up; Dynamic Lifter suits it well.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars and slugs and snails. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot, downy mildew and rust. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Beans and brassicas make good neighbours. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Harvest the outer leaves by snapping or cutting at the base, leaving the centre to grow on. Use fresh, or blanch and freeze.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.