chard

The Chard is all so full and leafy now. Only one plant bolted tall- the one that overwintered. Like the beets, chard is a biannual plant. So the second-year growth determines to set seed. I cut it down into the compost pile.

When I go to pick some for a meal, currently I just cut the largest plant off entire at the base. It thins the space out a bit so the others don't get too crowded. If they act like last year's, it will grow back in fall when the weather cools off. Had to hold the bunch at arm's length to show you a picture.

The bugs have been all over it so I'm careful to give the leaves a good washing in mild soap

and several rinsings.

It looks like way too much, but after trimming off the stalks, cutting out the ribs and removing pieces with bug holes, there's plenty good greens left to make the dish.