<p>Pale green leaves with a slightly crinkly appearance and bright white stalks make this vegetable pretty enough for the flower borders as well as containers. Chards are among the easiest and most productive of vegetables, provided they get enough moisture and nitrogen, so grow them in rich, well-manured soils.</p><p>Seed can either be sown indoors in March and the young plants put outdoors in April, or sowed directly outside in April. In dry areas, it may help to plant them in a shallow trench to retain water. Either cut down the entire plant when required, or only as many leaves as desired for one meal.</p>
