Companion planting for swiss chard is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of swiss chard below.
| Companion plants for swiss chard | Enemy plants of swiss chard |
|---|---|
| Beans | Spinach |
| Broccoli | Potato |
| Celery | |
| Cabbage | |
| Garlic | |
| Kale | |
| Marigold | |
| Onion |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of swiss chard?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your swiss chard. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your swiss chard.
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans are like the helpful neighbors who always lend a hand. They pull nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil, giving Swiss chard a natural boost of nutrients. With beans working their magic underground, chard grows stronger and more vibrant. Plus, beans don’t hog space, so they make great garden partners without getting in the way.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Broccoli may be a tough veggie, but it knows how to share the love. It helps shade the soil, keeping it cooler and more moist—just the way Swiss chard likes it. As a bonus, broccoli brings in beneficial insects that help keep pests away.
Celery
Celery flourishes in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil infused with organic matter. Consistent moisture and sunlight support robust growth and vibrant foliage. Celery contributes to the overall health of neighboring plants by improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, and fostering beneficial microbial activity. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like parsley and carrots, celery symbolizes the natural vitality and elegance found within the garden's embrace.
Celery and Swiss chard make a great pair because they both love rich, moist soil. Celery’s leafy stalks help keep the ground shaded, reducing evaporation and making sure the soil stays just right for chard. It also has a strong scent that confuses pests looking for an easy meal. A little celery in the garden means less trouble for your chard!
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage is like a big, leafy bodyguard for Swiss chard. It helps shade the soil and keeps weeds from taking over. Plus, cabbage attracts helpful insects that go after pests, keeping your chard safe from unwanted nibblers. These two work well together, making sure each one gets plenty of room to thrive.
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic may be small, but it’s got a big job in the garden. Its strong smell keeps pests like aphids and caterpillars from bothering Swiss chard. Garlic also helps improve the soil, keeping it rich and well-balanced for healthy growth. With garlic nearby, Swiss chard has a little extra protection without needing a fuss.
Kale
Kale, known for its robust leaves and garden vigor, thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its vibrant foliage and sturdy stems. Kale provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weeds, and attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Kale and Swiss chard are garden cousins that thrive in the same conditions. Kale’s leafy presence helps protect the soil, keeping it moist and full of nutrients. Plus, kale attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep pests away. When these two grow together, they create a lush, thriving garden space.
Marigold
Marigold flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture its colorful flowers and aromatic foliage. Marigold provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Marigolds are like the protectors of the garden. Their bright flowers don’t just look pretty—they also keep harmful bugs at bay. With marigolds around, Swiss chard is less likely to be bothered by pests like aphids and beetles. Plus, marigolds improve the soil, making it healthier for everything nearby.
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions might be small, but they’re tough when it comes to keeping pests away. Their strong smell confuses insects, making it harder for them to find Swiss chard. Onions also help break up the soil, keeping it loose and well-drained. With onions in the mix, Swiss chard gets to grow in peace.
What are the enemy plants of swiss chard?
Planting these plants next to swiss chard has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your swiss chard. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your swiss chard.
Spinach
Spinach grows in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and rapid growth. Spinach provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Swiss Chard and Spinach both need a lot of the same nutrients from the soil, which can leave one (or both) struggling to grow. Since they’re so similar, planting them together can lead to weaker, less productive plants. It’s best to give them their own space so they can thrive without competition.
Potato
Potatoes grows in loose soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and tuber development. Potatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure, suppressing weed growth, and adding nutrients to the soil when left to decompose.
Potatoes are heavy feeders that take up a lot of nutrients, leaving little behind for Swiss chard. They also spread underground with their thick roots, which can crowd out chard and make it harder to grow. On top of that, potatoes are magnets for pests that might also take a liking to your chard. To keep both plants happy, it’s better to grow them in separate parts of the garden.
