Chives do best if they are dug up, divided, and moved to a new compost-rich site every few years. They prefer a moderately well-drained slightly acid soil, rich with organic matter such as compost. When transplanting, clean up dead plant material from the clump before planting in a new spot. Keep chives moist throughout the summer. Fertilize lightly in May and July.
Chives are quite hardy and can be over-wintered nicely.
With a plastic hoop or cloche, chives can be kept alive and harvested all winter long. The tender, hollow spears of chive leaves can be cut or chopped finely for flavoring. The purple flower heads can be used to add colorful zest to salads or dried for winter flower arrangements. They can also be chopped, then dried or frozen for future use.