What to Plant With Swiss Chard (And What to Avoid)

Swiss chard is a versatile companion plant that grows well with many vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Pairing it with the right crops can improve growth, deter pests, and maximize space in your garden. However, some plants compete with chard for nutrients or attract unwanted pests, so it’s important to choose companions wisely.

Table of Contents

Best Companions for Swiss Chard

1. Carrots

Roots grow deep, leaving surface soil free for chard’s shallow roots. They also help loosen soil for better chard growth.

2. Onions and Garlic

Repel pests like aphids and leaf miners, which can damage chard leaves.

3. Cabbage Family Crops (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts)

Similar soil and watering needs. Interplant to create a leafy green patch for continuous harvests.

4. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Dill)

Fragrant herbs can confuse pests and attract pollinators.

5. Flowers (Marigolds, Nasturtiums)

Add color, attract beneficial insects, and deter common pests like aphids.

Plants to Avoid Near Swiss Chard

1. Potatoes

Compete for nutrients and space; both are heavy feeders.

2. Corn

Tall growth can shade chard too much, reducing leaf production.

3. Melons and Squash

Sprawling vines crowd out chard and create humid conditions that invite disease.

Planting Tips

Keep soil rich with compost to support multiple crops.
Group plants with similar sunlight and watering needs.
Rotate chard and its companions yearly to reduce disease risk.

Note from My Experience

In my raised beds, pairing Swiss chard with carrots and marigolds has been a win-win—healthy greens, vibrant flowers, and fewer pests.

Takeaway: Strategic companion planting with Swiss chard boosts yield, prevents pests, and creates a thriving, beautiful garden bed.

🌿 Swiss Chard Learning Hub

Start here: The Ultimate Chard Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

✅ Planting & Seasonal Timing

✅ Growing Techniques

✅ Care & Maintenance

How to Fertilize Swiss Chard Organically

✅ Pests & Diseases

Swiss Chard Growing Problems: Troubleshooting

✅ Harvesting & Use

✅ Varieties & Selection

✅ Companion Planting & Rotation

Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

When to Plant Collard Greens: Best Seasons for Success
ByStephen Albert

Timing is everything when it comes to collard greens. In more than 30 years of growing collards in both California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that planting at the right season makes the difference between tough, bitter leaves and tender, flavorful harvests. Collards are cool-season crops, and knowing when to start them is…

Read More When to Plant Collard Greens: Best Seasons for Success
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage
ByStephen Albert

Chinese cabbage is a large group of cabbages that can be divided into two categories–heading and non-heading leafy greens. The heading types include Napa cabbage–also called Hakusai, Michili, celery cabbage, and Pe Tsai. The non-heading types include Bok Choy (also called Pac Choi or Pak Choi) and Mei Qing Choi (sometimes called Baby Bok Choy)….

Read More How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage
When to Plant Swiss Chard for Spring, Summer, and Fall Harvest
ByStephen Albert

Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense, hardy leafy green prized for its vibrant colors and versatility in the kitchen. As an experienced gardener with more than 30 years of growing leafy greens in mild climates, I’ve learned that timing your planting for Swiss chard is key to maximizing harvests through spring, summer, and fall. This post…

Read More When to Plant Swiss Chard for Spring, Summer, and Fall Harvest
Feeding Lettuce: When and How to Fertilize
ByStephen Albert

Lettuce is a fast-growing, shallow-rooted crop that thrives in rich, well-fed soil. While it doesn’t need heavy feeding like tomatoes or corn, the right fertilizer at the right time can make all the difference in leaf size, color, texture, and taste. After more than 30 years of growing lettuce in raised beds, containers, and under…

Read More Feeding Lettuce: When and How to Fertilize
Common Collard Greens Pests and Diseases and Natural Ways to Control Them
ByStephen Albert

Collard greens are hardy and nutritious, but even experienced gardeners like myself—after 30+ years growing collards—know that pests and diseases can quickly reduce yields and damage leaves. Understanding the most common threats and how to control them naturally is essential for healthy, productive plants. In this guide, I’ll share practical, tried-and-true strategies that have worked…

Read More Common Collard Greens Pests and Diseases and Natural Ways to Control Them
Watering Napa Cabbage: How Much and How Often
ByStephen Albert

Watering Napa cabbage correctly is one of the most important steps for growing tender, sweet, and bolt-resistant heads. After more than 30 years of growing cool-season brassicas in raised beds in Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that Napa cabbage thrives with steady, even moisture—but struggles quickly when the soil swings between wet and dry. This guide…

Read More Watering Napa Cabbage: How Much and How Often