Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are perennial herbs belonging to the allium family, related to onions, garlic, and leeks. Companion planting involves growing different species together for mutual benefits, such as improved health and growth. Incorporating this flavorful herb into your garden offers a natural method for protecting vulnerable crops and creating a more balanced ecosystem.
How Chives Benefit Nearby Plants
The primary benefit chives offer to neighboring crops stems from the release of sulfurous compounds, which are responsible for their distinct, pungent aroma. These compounds, such as allicin, act as a natural deterrent that confuses and repels various common garden pests. The strong scent masks the chemical signals that herbivores use to locate their host plants.
This chemical defense is effective against insects like aphids and the destructive Japanese beetle. Chives also possess mild fungicidal properties that help suppress certain plant diseases. They protect nearby foliage from problems like mildew and the fungal spores that cause black spot on roses.
Specific Vegetables and Fruits That Thrive Next to Chives
Chives are highly valued in vegetable gardens for their protective qualities and their ability to improve the growth of many popular crops. The shallow, fibrous root system of the herb means it does not compete aggressively with the root structures of larger plants for water or nutrients. This makes them an ideal underplanting choice for many garden staples.
Planting chives near carrots can significantly reduce damage from the carrot rust fly, an insect whose larvae tunnel into the root vegetable. The powerful allium scent interferes with the fly’s ability to find the carrots, resulting in a cleaner, more robust harvest. This scent-masking effect is a highly effective form of biological pest control.
Tomatoes benefit substantially when chives are interplanted around their base, as the chive foliage helps repel common tomato pests like aphids and slugs. Some gardeners also observe that planting chives nearby can lead to an improvement in the flavor and overall yield of the tomatoes. The reduced stress from insect infestation likely contributes to the plant’s healthier development.
Brassica family members, including cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, are frequent targets of the cabbage worm and other leaf-damaging pests. Chives act as an effective barrier, deterring the adult moths and butterflies from laying eggs on the leaves. This natural defense minimizes the need for manual pest removal or chemical interventions.
Chives also serve a decorative and protective role in flower gardens and orchards. When planted around rose bushes, they repel aphids and can help prevent the development of black spot, a common fungal disease that blemishes the leaves. Similarly, growing chives beneath fruit trees, such as apple trees, can help reduce the incidence of apple scab, a fungal disease that affects the fruit and foliage.
Interplanting chives with strawberries helps deter slugs and aphids that feed on the fruit and leaves. Chives can also help suppress certain soil pathogens near strawberries, contributing to the health of the perennial patch. The plant clippings can be used as a beneficial mulch, adding nutrients back into the soil for the fruit plants.
Plants to Avoid Growing Near Chives
While chives are excellent companions for many plants, they should be kept separate from members of the legume family, specifically beans and peas. These crops do not thrive when planted in close proximity to any allium species. The presence of chives can stunt the growth and development of the legume plants.
Legumes host specialized bacteria on their roots that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. This process is crucial for their growth. However, the strong antibacterial properties found in the sulfur compounds of chives can inhibit the activity of these nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This interference disrupts the legume’s ability to enrich the soil and nourish itself, resulting in a poor harvest.