Chard Is Tough With Yellowing Bottom Leaves And Spreading More Than Growing Upwards

Question From: C. Blaine - Mesa, Arizona, United States
Q: Live in Phoenix....why is my chard quite tough this year & mostly spreading rather than growing upwards & many plants have some pale yellow bottom leaves? I've grown chard in Phoenix for years, but never had this problem.

A:
Sounds like asters yellow, a viral disease for which there is no cure. Remove and destroy infected plants. A good reason to practice plant rotation, so plant your chard in a new location this year. Best and Happy Yardening, Nancy.