Spread your Swiss chard plants about 15 in. apart.Water liberally.
Hoe regularly throughout the growing season to minimize weeds and water as needed, up to 2 to 3 gal per week in dry weather.
Harvest a few of the largest leaves from each plant regularly, picking them off as close to the ground as possible. The plants should continue growing throughout the summer if you pick the leaves as they are ready.
You can make repeat sowings up to mid summer. With cloche or covered protection, Swiss chard can grow well into fall and early winter.
Swiss chard does not keep well and should be eaten soon after harvesting.
Swiss chard is a very attractive vegetable, and can be used to decorate dishes for presentation. Its extra-wide leaf stalks and midribs can replace asparagus in recipes, though they do not have the same texture as asparagus.
Prepare the leaves of Swiss chard similarly to spinach: cooked, sautéed or eaten raw in salads.