Growing and using chives in your garden

How do you keep the chives in place?

Chive leaves can be preserved, especially if you prune the whole plant. Wash them in clean water and dry them by spreading them on a cloth. Then store them carefully in a freezer bag and put them in the freezer.

How do you keep your chives under control?

- Water every day (if it's hot or windy) or every other day. (The chives are not "upright", but the little clump seems to have grown a bit and the branches have spread a bit.

Is the chive sunny?

Ideal soil and exposure for chives in the garden. Chives like cool, not too wet, well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate light shade.

Where to plant basil - in the shade or in the sun?

Planting in good conditions Basil prefers a sunny position, sheltered from the wind and cold. It likes light, rather dry, well-drained and sufficiently rich soil. Basil is best planted in spring (April-May in the south), after the last frost.

Where to put the chives?

Eat chives: their onion-like flavour makes them particularly suitable for green and mixed salads. Chives can be added to mayonnaise, yogurt sauces, cottage cheese or cream sauces. It is used as a seasoning for butter, herb soups and scrambled eggs, but also for cheese dishes.

Where to plant chives in the vegetable garden?

In the garden, choose a very sunny spot to plant chives in early fall or spring. The soil should be rich and well drained, if not, add compost and sand. You can also plant on a mound.

When to plant chives in the ground?

Chives can be sown or planted in the spring. Start sowing in February and continue until April, planting in March-April.

Is the chive a perennial plant?

Chives are sown in the autumn of the following year. Good to know: chive seeds can be harvested from the plants for sowing. Chives are a perennial aromatic plant with very long stems.

Where to plant basil and chives?

Chervil, parsley and mint prefer partial shade and rich, cool soil, even in summer. Basil, tarragon, chives and bay leaves have intermediate needs: sun but also a fairly rich and cool soil.

How to cut chive flowers?

Use garden shears and cut the sprigs at the base, as cutting them in half can cause them to harden off and the ends to yellow. You can then wash the chives, pat them dry and wrap them in a clean cloth to absorb the moisture.

When does the chive flower?

It is best to do this in April or May. Sow in the field and let some of the chives flower naturally. When the plant is in flower, simply shake the head lightly to drop the seeds, which will encourage new growth.

How to use chive flowers?

Chive flowers can be eaten in salads, or used as fleur de sel, sprinkled at the last minute. They can also be preserved in vinegar, like gherkins, but they lose their colour.

Chives are an easy-to-grow aromatic plant that is equally at home in pots or in the ground. To keep your chive plant in place, simply water regularly and avoid overwatering, which can lead to disease. If you want to keep your chives under control, don't hesitate to trim the leaves regularly to encourage dense growth. It's also important to place your plant in sun or half-shade, depending on your taste preferences, as this can influence the plant's flavor. Finally, find out when to plant chives in the ground and how to cut back the flowers to prevent the plant from becoming invasive, while still enjoying the delicious flavours it offers.