Your comments and tips

23 Dec 08, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)

the leaves on my silverbeet are light coloured, what can i do to make them dark green?

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Aug 10, jaime (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

depends really. is the whole leaf yellow, is it the young or old leaves, are they going dry and brown, or limp and slimey. though its probably a nitrogen deficiency, try seeweed or fish emulsion

Reply or Post a new comment

25 Dec 08, Simon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Itmay be worth reading up on biodynamics and what they have to say about extra dark green. An even mid green is probably a better sign of health. Besides practicing biodynamics, I use seaweed, some home made compost prior to planting out the seedlings sometimes a little rock phosphate and once or twice throughout the growing season some a little diluted liquid compost. For me it seems to go a more pronounced light green when it is running out of food.

Reply or Post a new comment

19 Jan 09, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)

When you rinse the leaves, put a tiny dash of your good olive oil in the water. Swish around and squeeze it before steaming. Delish.

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Feb 09, Hels (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, i have planted Silverbeet about 2months ago and they have a disease that is causing the underside of the leaf to go a silvery/brown colour and then drying out and cracking like a potato chip. I have never seen this happen and dont know how to fix it. Does any one have any suggestions? WOuld be much appreciated.

Reply or Post a new comment

14 Feb 09, Sandy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi, I've tried planting silverbeet / chard from two different seed packets and only one plant has come up each time. Previously I have found it really easy to grow so I'm feeling a bit baffled. Any advice greatly appreciated. Best Wishes, Sandy

Reply or Post a new comment

06 Mar 09, Robert (Australia - temperate climate)

As a commercial grower for many years, I never pick Silverbeet too short as the next leaves take far too long to re-grow. Also I find Silverbeet requires less fertiliser than you would expect for a plant this size. If you spray with fungicide (copper) and insecticide after picking, you will have beautiful, healthy leaves ready for picking every week. Always adhere to spray with-holding periods.

Reply or Post a new comment

12 Mar 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

For the past couple of years I have been unable to grow silverbeet successfully in any part of my garden. It appears to be flourishing, and then develops silvery coloured blotches on the leaves. I have been using sheep manure, plus blood, bone and potash, plus occasional doses of "Thrive" liquid fertiliser.

Reply or Post a new comment

17 Mar 09, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Lesley, I like to steam silverbeet then sprinkle a couple of drops of soy sauce and sesame oil over it before serving, Alternatively steam then sprinkle with a little nutmeg. I've seen recipes with milk, but never used milk with silverbeet.

Reply or Post a new comment

25 Mar 09, Ken (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

To Ron, (3 Aug 08), your Silver beet sounds just like a problem I had with mine. I contacted Peter Cundall and his advice was to put BORON in the ground. Its a trace element and essential for the good health of all Beet plants. I bought a tub of "Borax" at Coles, its 17% Boron, lightly sprinkled it about where I was going to plant my Silver Beet and Beetroot, and bingo, best crops I've had for years. Go to www.agric.nsw.gov.au and put in "Boron Deficiency" and you will get a very interesting article.

Reply or Post a new comment