Companion planting for chives is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of chives below.
| Companion plants for chives | Enemy plants of chives |
|---|---|
| Carrot | Asparagus |
| Tomato | Beans |
| Onion | Pea |
| Leek | Spinach |
| Garlic | |
| Broccoli | |
| Cabbage | |
| Strawberry | |
| Basil |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of chives?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your chives. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your chives.
Carrot
Carrots thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support robust root growth and vibrant foliage. Carrots offer general benefits to neighboring plants by improving soil structure with their deep taproots, enhancing soil aeration, and creating pathways for water and nutrients to reach other plant roots.
Carrots help keep the soil loose, which makes it easier for chives to spread their roots and grow strong. Plus, carrots don’t hog nutrients, so your chives won’t have to fight for food. A happy partnership in the garden!
Tomato
Tomatoes thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their sprawling vines and abundant fruiting. Tomatoes provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage, and adding richness to culinary dishes.
Tomatoes provide a bit of shade, keeping the soil around chives cool and moist, just the way they like it. Plus, their tall vines help block harsh winds that could dry out delicate chive leaves. A little shelter goes a long way!
Onion
Onions thrive in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil—preferably loamy or sandy—with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their hearty foliage and bulb formation. Onions provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with their strong aroma and improving soil structure with their fibrous roots.
Onions and chives are like family—they enjoy the same growing conditions and don’t compete for nutrients. Growing them together makes for a low-maintenance garden patch that thrives with ease. A strong, oniony team!
Leek
Leek thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its slender stalks and tender leaves. Leek provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its pungent aroma and improving soil structure with its deep roots.
Leeks have deep roots that help bring up moisture from below, keeping the soil around chives from drying out too fast. They also help break up tough soil, giving chives more room to grow. A perfect underground partnership!
Garlic
Garlic flourishes in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, it embodies adaptability and strength. Adequate sunlight and consistent moisture support robust growth and bulb development. Garlic provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by deterring pests with its strong aroma and acting as a natural fungicide against soil-borne diseases.
Garlic helps protect chives by keeping pests such as aphids, beetles, or armyworms at bay with its strong scent. Plus, both plants love similar soil conditions, so they grow well side by side without competing for space or nutrients. A smelly but strong friendship!
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Broccoli’s big leaves provide a little shade, keeping the soil around chives nice and cool. Plus, chives benefit from the nutrients broccoli brings to the soil as it grows. A leafy, garden-friendly duo!
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Cabbage gives chives a boost by keeping the soil moist and cool, perfect for their shallow roots. The sturdy cabbage leaves also provide a little protection from harsh winds, helping chives grow tall and healthy. A leafy friendship!
Strawberry
Strawberries grow in loamy soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their delicate fruits and lush foliage. Strawberries provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators, suppressing weed growth with their dense foliage.
Strawberries help cover the soil, locking in moisture for chives and keeping weeds from taking over. Plus, their roots don’t compete, so both plants can grow happily side by side. Sweet teamwork!
Basil
Basil, with its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility, transcends its role as a mere herb, emerging as a cornerstone of companion gardening practices. Beyond its culinary appeal, basil offers a multitude of benefits to the garden ecosystem, serving as a beacon of fragrance and functionality in both kitchen and cultivation.
Basil and chives enjoy the same growing conditions—moist, well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Since they don’t compete for nutrients, they make great neighbors, keeping your herb garden lush and full. A flavorful friendship!
What are the enemy plants of chives?
Planting these plants next to chives has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your chives. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your chives.
Asparagus
Asparagus, revered for its tender spears and nutritional prowess, stands as a stalwart sentinel in the realm of companion gardening. With a penchant for well-drained, sandy soil and ample sunlight, this perennial delight thrives in environments where winters are cold and summers are warm. As a symbol of grace and gastronomy, asparagus enriches both the palate and the garden landscape, embodying the essence of verdant vitality.
Asparagus is a bit of a space hog, with deep roots that stretch far and wide. This can crowd out chives, making it hard for them to get the nutrients and water they need. Plus, asparagus takes a while to grow, and chives might get overshadowed before they even have a chance to thrive. Not the best garden buddies!
Beans
Beans are thriving in well-drained soil and basking in ample sunlight, these leguminous wonders enrich the soil with nitrogen, enhancing the vitality of their botanical companions. As stalwart providers of sustenance and greenery, beans epitomize the essence of garden bounty and vitality.
Beans like to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is great for some plants but not so much for chives. Too much nitrogen can make chives weak and floppy instead of strong and flavorful. Plus, bean vines can sprawl and take up valuable space that chives would rather have for themselves.
Pea
Peas thrive in diverse soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5, they embody adaptability and vigor. Full sunlight and consistent moisture nurture their lush foliage and prolific growth. Peas provide invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by fixing nitrogen in the soil, enhancing fertility, and promoting overall garden health.
Peas and chives just don’t see eye to eye in the garden. Peas prefer less competition in their space, and chives can be a little too aggressive with their roots. Peas also don’t love the strong scent of chives, so it’s best to keep these two apart to avoid any garden drama.
Spinach
Spinach grows in fertile soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Partial shade and consistent moisture nurture its tender foliage and rapid growth. Spinach provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by enriching the soil with nutrients, suppressing weed growth, and promoting overall garden health.
Spinach grows fast and can quickly crowd out chives, leaving them struggling for sunlight and nutrients. Plus, spinach likes a lot of moisture, while chives prefer things a little drier. With such different needs, they just don’t make good neighbors in the garden.
