"Gary" wrote in message ...
For the past few years, I have not had good luck with my beets and swiss
chard (red variety). The leaves seem to turn brown when they get to be
about 4" long, and the plants do not thrive well. Sometimes about half of
the leaf on each stem shrivels up to nothing. I've tried planting in
different parts of the garden (which is partly shaded), added manure, etc.
The soil is relatively good in my garden and the spinach and lettuce do
well. I water by sprinkling, but I do it after the sun is down, so I don't
think it is sunburn. Also the garden is pretty well protected from wind. I
live in Western Colorado, where the soil tends to be a little alkaline.
Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary

Also, the white chard is substantially more productive and easier
growing (more tolerant of acid soil and/or cold, in my case) than the
red variety. I discontinued the latter years ago.