How To Divide A Large Clump Of Chives

How To Divide A Large Clump Of Chives


Divide chives at the end of summer to keep them fresh

Chives have usually grown into a large clump by the end of summer and really need splitting up to keep them rejuvenated. If you leave them in a huge clump they start dying out in the centre and will become weak and spindly.

 

 You will need:

  • fork
  • pot (15cm; 6") + piece of crock
  • potting compost

Gently ease the plant out of the ground and prise apart into several pieces.

Re-plant each portion; don’t fertilise at this time of year as the plants will put on a spurt of soft growth which may succumb to the winter frosts.

You can always pot some up to keep handy on the kitchen windowsill. Just place the crock over the drainage hole in the pot, fill with good quality peat-free potting compost.

Make a hole in the centre of the compost and firm in the portion of chives you are potting up. Water and stand in a saucer on a sunny windowsill.

For more information, hints and tips on growing herbs and vegetables just browse our blog articles or watch the videos on our Youtube channel.


Profile Image Angela Slater

Angela Slater

Daughter of a farmer and market gardener so have always had a connection with the outdoors, whether it was keeping animals or producing fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. Along with my work at Hayes Garden World I also have a smallholding, mainly breeding rare breed pigs. I gained an HND and BSc in Conservation and Environmental Land Management, as a result I am an ardent environmentalist and have a keen interest in environmentally friendly gardening. In my time at Hayes I worked for several years in the Outdoor Plant and Houseplant areas.