What's eating my swiss chard 'fordhook giant'?

Swiss Chard 'Fordhook Giant' is targeted by aphids, leafminers, caterpillars (especially beet armyworm), and slugs. Leafminers are the most frustrating indoor threat, tunneling through the broad leaves. Protect large leaves with row cover early in the season and remove affected foliage promptly to limit spread.

Pale, winding tunnels or blotches visible through the leaf surface; larvae mine between leaf layers. Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. Use row covers to prevent adult fly egg-laying. Spinosad sprays target larvae organically.

Dense colonies on leaf undersides and stems; sticky honeydew, curled or yellowed leaves. Blast off with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybirds and lacewings.

Ragged holes in leaves, especially overnight; slime trails on soil and foliage. Apply iron phosphate pellets around plants. Use beer traps, copper tape barriers, or hand-pick at night.

Skeletonized leaves or large irregular holes; small green caterpillars often found on undersides. Pick caterpillars off by hand. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray at first sign of feeding.