If you have a large clump of chives growing in your garden, it might be time to divide them. Dividing chives is a great way to keep them healthy and ensure that they continue to grow and thrive. Plus, dividing chives allows you to propagate new plants to share with friends or to expand your own chive patch.
Chives are a member of the onion family and they’re commonly grown for their grass-like leaves and mild, onion-like flavor. They’re versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and savory baked goods. They’re also wonderful when used as a garnish, adding a pop of fresh flavor with their bright green color.
Dividing chives is a fairly simple process. The best time to divide them is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the plants are not actively growing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to divide a large clump of chives:
- Start by digging up the entire clump of chives, being careful to avoid damaging the roots. You can use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around the clump.
- Once the clump is out of the ground, use your hands or a sharp knife to divide it into several smaller clumps. Each smaller clump should have its own set of roots and leaves.
- Prepare a new planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or grass. Chives prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Plant each smaller clump in the new area, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Make sure the roots are covered with soil and the leaves are above the ground.
- Water the newly planted chive clumps well, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist. Chives prefer regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- Keep the chive plants well-watered throughout the growing season, but be careful not to overwater. Too much water can lead to rot and other diseases.
- In late summer or early fall, you can harvest the chives by snipping them about an inch above the ground. This will encourage new growth and ensure a bountiful harvest next year.
Dividing a large clump of chives is a simple process that can be done by growers of all experience levels. By following these tips, you can keep your chives happy and healthy, and enjoy a fresh supply of this versatile herb all season long.
For more details about dividing chives and other gardening tips, check out our complete guide on how to grow and care for chives.
Green Patch Dividing and Growing Chives
Chives, a member of the onion family, are a commonly grown herb that is usually used in cooking. They can be easily grown in containers or in the ground and are commonly divided to create a larger patch of them. If you want to have a fresh supply of chives for your kitchen, then growing chives is a great option. The best time to start growing chives is in the mild-winter areas, where freezing does not occur frequently.
To begin growing chives, you will need to prepare the ground or containers where you want to plant them. Chives can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. If you choose to grow them in containers, be sure to use well-draining soil and provide regular watering. If you choose to plant them in the ground, select a sunny location with well-draining soil.
To divide a large clump of chives, follow these steps:
- First, water the chives well to ensure they’re well-hydrated.
- Next, dig up the clump of chives using a garden fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the roots.
- Once the clump is removed from the ground or container, gently shake off excess soil.
- Divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has healthy roots and green growth.
- Prepare the new planting area by clearing away any weeds or grass-like growth. If planting in containers, fill them with a well-draining potting mix.
- Place the divided chive sections in the new planting area, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.
- Lightly sprinkle the soil or potting mix over the roots of the chives, covering them with about 1 inch of soil.
- Water the newly divided chives thoroughly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
Chives are low-maintenance plants and will usually grow well without any special care. They can be harvested by cutting the leaves about 1 inch above the ground. Chives can be used fresh or dried for later use. To keep your chive plants healthy, divide them every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding. The divided clumps can be moved to other areas of your garden or composted.
In summary, growing and dividing a large clump of chives is an easy process that can provide you with a fresh supply of this flavorful herb. Whether you choose to grow them in containers or in the ground, chives require minimal maintenance and can be harvested year-round.
Credits: Guide written by Sophie for Gardeners’ World. Read more about growing chives here.
How To Divide A Large Clump Of Chives
Dividing a large clump of chives is a simple task that can be done to keep your plants healthy and promote their growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to divide a large clump of chives:
1. Prepare a container:
Before you begin dividing your chives, prepare a container to keep the divided plants. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Lift the clump:
Use a garden fork or spade to carefully lift the clump of chives from the ground. Be gentle to avoid damaging the roots.
3. Divide the clump:
Once you have lifted the clump, you will notice multiple smaller clumps or individual plants. Gently separate them into smaller sections by pulling them apart. You can easily divide a large clump into several small clumps.
4. Replant:
Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a container to replant the divided chives. Chives thrive in full sun but can tolerate some shade as well. Make sure to keep the soil moist during the initial growth period.
5. Harvest regularly:
Once your chives have settled in their new location, you can begin harvesting the leaves. However, if you have divided your large clump in late spring or early summer, it’s best to wait for a few weeks before harvesting to allow the plants to establish themselves.
6. Care for the plants:
Chives require minimal care. Water them regularly especially during dry periods. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer once every four to six weeks. Remove any flower stalks to encourage stronger leaf growth.
7. Move indoors for the winter:
Chives are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, in colder zones, it’s recommended to move your chives indoors before the frost sets in. You can keep them near a sunny window in your kitchen or another well-lit area.
Dividing a large clump of chives is an excellent way to propagate the plants and ensure their continued health. By following these simple steps, you can easily divide a large clump and enjoy an abundance of fresh chives in your garden or kitchen.
Divide chives at the end of summer to keep them fresh
Chives are a versatile herb that can be easily divided at the end of summer to keep them fresh and healthy. Dividing chives not only helps control their growth but also allows you to propagate new plants. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your chives continue to thrive year after year.
When dividing chives, it’s important to start with a large clump of plants. Carefully dig up the clump, using a fork to gently loosen the soil around the roots. Be sure to get as much of the root system as possible.
Once you have the clump out of the ground, you can separate the individual plants. Gently tease the clump apart, using your hands or a sharp knife to divide the chives into smaller sections. Each section should have a good amount of roots attached.
Before transplanting the divided chives, prepare your new planting locations. Chives can be grown in the ground or in containers, so choose the option that works best for your space. If planting in the ground, make sure to select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. If using containers, be sure to use large enough containers to accommodate the chive clumps.
After dividing the chives, it’s important to care for the new plants properly. Chives prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. They are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and can be grown as perennials in many areas. Plant the divided chives in their new location and water them well. Be sure to provide regular watering and keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Chives are a great companion plant and can be planted near other vegetables and herbs. Their mild flavor makes them a popular addition to salads, soups, and sauces. Chives also have the added benefit of repelling pests such as aphids and Japanese beetles.
To harvest chives, snip off the leaf blades with a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears. Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of growth so the plant can continue to produce new leaves. Chives can be harvested throughout the growing season and make an excellent addition to fresh dishes.
If you have more chives than you can use fresh, consider preserving them for future use. Chives can be frozen, dried, or stored as seeds. To freeze chives, snip them into small pieces and place them on a paper towel. Roll up the paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or container. Chives can also be dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
By dividing your chives at the end of summer, you can keep them fresh and continue to enjoy their delicious flavor. Whether you plant them in the ground or in containers, chives are a low-maintenance herb that will enhance your culinary creations. So don’t let your chive patch get out of control – divide them, share them with family and friends, and enjoy the benefits of fresh chives all year long.
| Types of chives | Credits |
|---|---|
|
– Onion chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) |
– Sophie (GardenersPath.com) – Late Leaf Farm (latelea.ffm.to) |
