Swiss Chard does not transplant well and does best if the seeds are planted directly in the soil. Chard will tolerate heat if plants are well thinned and the air can circulate around them. Culture: Sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked. Swiss Chard is resistant to frost, and can be harvested well after the first frost. Many successive harvests can be made from one planting. Requires fertile slightly alkaline soil in well drained location in the garden. Apply mulch and grass clippings, or straw around base of plant. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established. Water well during dry and hot spells. Harvesting: You can cut outer leaves as you need them and leave inner leaves to develop.