Chives are a very tasty and vitamin-rich leek vegetable, which is also quite easy to cultivate both in the garden and on the balcony. No wonder that the undemanding aromatic and medicinal herb is so popular. In order for your plant to feel comfortable with you, you should ensure the right location.
Sun to semi-shade
When it comes to the sun, chives are basically not particularly choosy. Although it prefers sunny to semi-shady locations, it often thrives in the shade as well. Especially on hot summer days, however, you must make sure that the plant gets enough water - and is also protected from strong sunlight in sunny places. Chives need a lot of water and should therefore be watered regularly during dry periods. At the same time, however, the herb must not be too wet, because waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
The optimal floor
For this reason, the optimal soil for chives is loose and permeable, but at the same time rich in nutrients. A balanced mixture of humus and sand is ideal, with the humus content predominating. You can also add some clay powder (available at hardware stores or garden centers) to improve moisture levels. The desired pH value is in the neutral to alkaline range - i. H. Chives do not like acidic soil at all, which it has in common with most other kitchen herbs. Also common is the fondness for lime - this also means that you can water chives - and other herbs - with tap water without any worries.
tips and tricks
If you cultivate chives and other herbs on soil that is rather low in lime, you should supply them regularly with magnesium lime (but conventional garden lime (9.70€) will also do). You can easily find out whether this lime application is actually necessary using a test strip.
IJA