Growing chard from runners!

   

I grew a few chard and perpetual spinach plants in the GH over winter and they are massive - took over the GH.  The photo was taken about a month ago when I'd started clearing the chard on the right. You can see some in the bucket!!
 If you harvest the tops of the plants (the young tender bits)  the plant produces side shoots. Nothing odd about that, you may say.  When these side shoots touch the ground, they root, a bit like strawberry runners. Result  - more plants when you sever the cord. No wonder it was a jungle of chard. 
I've put some of these unrooted sideshoots into water and, when they root, I'll plant them in the garden. I've already transplanted some chard that was bolting to add to the self seeded clumps around the garden.
 Plants for free

Never knew chard rooted like runners, it's never had the chance round here. I shall definitely try rooting the side shoots to see what happens. I'll have to wait a while until last year's chard starts bolting though. Even then I might be thwarted as my old chard is where CFBs have to go and they might just get dug out to make room.

Dig them up and move them somewhere safe - and longterm.

Maybe, but unlikely

I never knew that! Mine do have a tendency to self seed though as I tend to leave plants until there's no life left in them lol

"Runner" is probably not the right word! As you know, Chard stems are thick and celery-like but, when they flop down to the ground with a tuft of leaves on top, this is the bit that can root.

Just picked all my overwintered chard for a hairy bikers’ chicken curry.
Was intending to rip it all out tomorrow ready to put new seedlings in.
However, shall pick sll the side shoots and shove them in a jam jar of water as recommended.
Nothing to lose is there!
Thank you for the tip.

You know the bits I mean, FEW - the tufty bits on a long stem.

You know the bits I mean, FEW - the tufty bits on a long stem.

These side shoots???

I suppose you could take stem cuttings which include the 'elbow' and plonk them in the soil in a new row. I might try that when I dig up the old row.