You can encourage a few early spikes by covering some of the plants with crushed leaves or straw. Plant a clump of bulbs in containers in the fall for early spring chives. Make sure your container chives get plenty of sun. A few plants may be allowed to produce flowers, which are an attractive garnish. Harvesting Use as required.
Chives are easier to snip with scissors than cut with a knife.
The snipped chives give a hint of onion flavor to egg dishes, cheese souffl s, salads, soups, cream cheese sandwiches, and sour cream dressing for baked potatoes. Chive butter is great with grilled chops and steak. Endorsed by The National Audubon Society.