How to Use Chives as a Companion Plant

If you've never tried companion planting to control weeds and pests in your garden, you may be working too hard to control these common gardening troubles. Chives is a great companion plant that will make your garden healthier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chive plants or seeds
• Vegetable garden
• Rose garden

1. Be aware that chives are a miniature relative of the onion and they're surprisingly easy to grow. You can purchase chive plants in many nurseries and you can grow them from seed as well. Many gardeners believe that planting chives near carrots, tomatoes, grapes and roses can help improve the flavor and growth of these plants.

2. Consider that some people believe that chives can help combat Japanese beetles and black spot on roses and that planting them around the base of an apple tree may combat apple scab growth.

3. Know that chives need sun and well-drained soil to do best. You can sow them directly outdoors in your vegetable garden in warm climates and start them indoors in peat pots in colder climates.

4. Pinch off the old flowers if you don't want your chives to reseed and plant them throughout the vegetable garden near your carrots and tomatoes for the best companion results.