Show keep growing when a chard plant becomes overgrown all the leaves can be cut off close to the base and soon a new crop of young leaves will develop i few insects attack it none seriously and it is not subject to serious diseases there are some varieties which are recommended for their heavy leaf stalks which can be cooked and served like asparagus but the most valuable and palatable contribution to the family diet are the vitamin rich dark green leaves which it produces abundantly A red variety of chard in addition addition to being nutritious has much decorative value and is sometimes grown as s a border to ornamental plantings |