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Silverbeet is easy to grow in the right spot. It will thrive in a partially sunny spot (about 3 to 4 hours sun per day), protected from the wind. It should be protected from the hot sun, so consider a shade cloth tent, or planting under taller crops like sweet corn. Leave about 30cm between each plant.
Good drainage, loads of organic matter and a pH between 6-7 will see you get the best out of your silverbeet. Well-rotted compost (containing manures) is an excellent soil additive and should be added to the soil a month before planting. Mulch well with a straw based mulch.
Being leafy vegies, silverbeet will respond incredibly well to regular feeds. Worm wee or a weak seaweed tea should be applied every three weeks to keep your silverbeet happy and preventing them from setting seed too early. Silverbeet will thrive if planted after a green manure crop.
Never let it dry out, they need consistent moisture to remain pest and problem free. A deep soaking, several times a week is ideal.
Snails and slugs are HUGE fans of silverbeet. There are a couple of things you can do to ward off the inevitable invasion. Spray a coffee mix (one part espresso to ten parts water) on the plants and sprinkle coffee grounds around the base. Beer traps are also very effective, so pop a few old plastic containers with 1cm of beer in them around the garden in the evening. These will be full of slimy critters by the next morning. Creating obstacles of crushed eggshells, lime, wood ash, wood shavings and sawdust around plants also works.
Silverbeet is quick to grow and perfect for the impatient gardener. Often ready to harvest in as little as six weeks, the outer leaves can be removed as soon as they are large enough. Remove leaves by pulling downwards, as cutting can encourage bacteria.
Plant with companions like beetroot, lavender, lovage, marjoram, onion, cherries, celery and eggplant. Avoid planting silverbeet with basil and wormwood.