Chive Companion Plants: What to Grow and Avoid

Chives are an easy-to-grow herb valued for their mild onion flavor and versatility in the kitchen. In the garden, chives serve as a beneficial neighbor to other plants, thriving with minimal care and contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Chives

Chives are a strong companion plant because of their natural ability to deter pests. They produce sulfur-containing compounds that emit a distinct onion-like aroma. This scent repels or confuses common garden pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and carrot rust flies, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

The same sulfur compounds that deter pests also help suppress certain fungal diseases. Planting chives near roses can help reduce black spot, while planting them near apple trees can help reduce apple scab.

Chives also attract beneficial insects. Their purple flower heads are a magnet for pollinators like bees, which helps increase the fruit and vegetable yields of nearby crops. Chives also attract other helpful insects, such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which prey on garden pests.

Best Companion Plants for Chives

Many vegetables benefit from being planted near chives, which deter pests like aphids and cabbage moths. Chives may also enhance the flavor of tomatoes. Good vegetable companions include:

• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Peppers
• Members of the cabbage family

Certain fruits, flowers, and herbs also thrive when planted with chives. Apple trees benefit from protection against apple scab and tree borers, while strawberries benefit from the chives’ ability to ward off fungal diseases. Roses are paired with chives to help prevent common pests and black spot. Other good companions include parsley, marigolds, and nasturtiums, which add further layers of pest protection.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Chives

While chives are beneficial to many plants, they are not compatible with all garden inhabitants. Avoid planting chives near legumes, such as beans and peas. Compounds released by chives and other alliums can inhibit the growth of these plants, so they should be planted in a separate area of the garden to ensure both can thrive.

Garden Placement for Chives

To maximize their benefits, use chives as a border around a vegetable bed to create a protective barrier against pests. This is effective for crops like carrots and lettuce.

Another approach is to interplant chives directly among susceptible crops like tomatoes. For fruit trees and roses, planting a ring of chives around the base can help protect against pests and diseases. Allow 8 to 12 inches between chive clumps and other plants for adequate air circulation.