Chives repel garden pests Plant chives or green onions around the edges of your garden to deter critters like aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and other things that like to eat green leaves. I call alliums “interrupters” because their oniony smell repels so many pests.
Are chives good for a garden?
One reason that chives make such a good companion plant is that the blossoms attract pollinators and other good for the garden insects like bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. These are important species that help our gardens immensely by pollinating plants and keeping pests in check.
What do chives do to the soil?
5: They are a good fertilizer.
According to Edible Forest Gardens, chives are a rich source of important nutrients for growing crops. Use the chopped leaves as a green mulch under important crops to fertilize. This is one reason why I plant chives in my strawberry bed or grow them as an understory in the food forest.
What plants benefit from chives?
Chives are related to onions and share many of the same companion plants as its relative. They grow well with beets, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, rhubarb, kohlrabi, parsley, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, mustard and peppers, and are thought to enhance their flavors and growth intensity.
What should not be planted near chives?
Chives grow well with just about anything. Grapes, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, kohlrabi, mustard, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, roses, squash, and strawberries all do better when growing near chives. Asparagus, beans, peas, and spinach, however, have a harder time growing when planted near chives.
Do chives keep pests away?
Chives deter aphids, mites, and Japanese beetles, as well as rabbits — a more significant garden pest. Sort of “the original” for bug repelling, with an overpowering lemony scent. It’s used in many commercial bug repellents and candles. It’s a grass-like plant that grows up to 6 feet tall!
Do chives attract animals?
The scent of chives repels many insect pests, such as the Japanese beetle, but their flowers attract masses of wild and domestic bees and other pollinators. Even hummingbirds seem to like chive flowers.
What animal eats chives?
Could be squirrels or rabbits. If there is green growth and no other food sources they could be culprits. You can also look around in the soft soil or snow for tracks which may give you a clue. Make sure your fencing is secured to the ground or buried a few inches in the ground.
Where should you plant chives?
Chives thrive in full sun and well drained soil rich in organic matter. The easiest and most successful way of growing chives is planting rooted clumps in spring, after frost danger has passed. You can easily grow chives indoors in a bright, sunny location. Harvest chives by snipping leaves from the base of the plant.
Will chives regrow after cutting?
Clip leaves from the outer portion of the plant first, making sure not to clip all of the plant at once. If you make a mistake and cut back all of the plant, no worries. It will grow back the following year. Wait to harvest your chives when the plant is at least six inches tall.
Can you plant chives near tomatoes?
Chives. Another fabulous companion herb for tomatoes, chives not only help the tomato’s taste, but they also season tomato dishes just wonderfully. Since Chives are perennial, think of them as the backdrop for your tomato garden.
Are chives invasive?
This plant can be invasive under some conditions, so should be planted with care. Grow garlic chives in full sun in well-drained soil. It can easily be started from seed, or from divisions.
Do chives spread?
Will my chives spread? Neither onions chives nor garlic chives will spread, though the clump will get larger (like a bunching onion). However, garlic chives will reseed if the blooms are left on the plant long enough for seeds to mature and fall into the garden.
Can basil and chives be planted together?
What herbs grow well with chive? When it comes to other herbs, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and basil are good companions for chives, since they all enjoy moist soil that isn’t too dry or sandy. Avoid sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, which like it drier and sandier.
Can I plant chives and lavender together?
Vegetables in the allium family, such as onions, garlic, leeks, chives and scallions can make suitable companion plants for lavender. As an added bonus, these allium vegetables offer helpful health benefits you want in your life.
Can marigolds grow with chives?
Companion Planting with Marigolds. Chives for Companion Planting. Basil as a Companion Plant. Companion Planting with Parsley.
What plant do spiders hate?
Marigolds. The strong scent of marigolds (Tagetes spp.) makes these vibrant flowers a potent insect and spider repellent. Of all the marigold varieties, Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) have the strongest scent and they are also the tallest.
What kind of plant keeps mosquitoes away?
Marigolds emit a scent that helps to deter mosquitoes. They are a great addition to a garden because they are easy to grow and also prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other pests. Rosemary, thyme, & basil. Similar to lavender and marigolds, these fragrant herbs emit a smell on their own that works to keep mosquitoes away.
Do chives keep aphids away?
Plants that Naturally Repel Aphids
Planting garlic, chives, leeks, catnip, fennel, dill and cilantro will help repel aphids. Marigolds are also known to drive away a number of unwanted pests. Research good companion plants for these garden additions and place them wisely.
Do chives repel butterflies?
Perfect for any herb garden, chives suit the butterfly garden especially well. Since they are a clumping herb, they will stay put for the most part only becoming rounder and larger over the years, never popping up in unexpected places. Bees and butterflies are especially attracted to chives.
Do chives come back every year?
Chives are a perennial, meaning they come back each year, so plan a designated space for them within your garden. Chives are cold hardy to Zone 3, so you will have success in northern Michigan gardens. Each year they will enlarge in size, growing to a mature height of 10-14 inches.