Crowded in thick clumps, they are often overlooked in home vegetable gardens. Early spring is the perfect time to give your chive patch a new lease on life, especially if they have been neglected over the years, recommended Ross Penhallegon, horticulture agent with the Oregon State University Extension Service.
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.