Swiss Chard is a cool weather ornamental and edible crop planted in early spring or late summer. Mulching will help retain the necessary moisture for this plant to thrive. Fertilizer: When planted in the fall and used as an ornamental, it will not need any additional fertilizer. Hardiness: Not hardy in Michigan Water: Semi-dry to Moist Soil: Plants prefer a nitrogen rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Sandy loam to clay loam. Pests: Slugs and Snails – Begin watching …