Chives: A Common Herb and Its Management
Introduction
Chives are a popular herb that is easy to grow and adds flavor to many dishes. However, they can also be invasive and spread to unwanted areas, including your lawn. This article will provide you with helpful tips on how to control chives and keep them from taking over your garden.
Preventing Chives from Spreading
The best way to prevent chives from spreading is to remove the blooms before they go to seed. You can do this by mowing or trimming the plants before they have a chance to flower. If you allow the chives to go to seed, the seeds will spread and germinate, creating new plants.
Another way to prevent chives from spreading is to dig up the bulbs. This is a more labor-intensive method, but it is effective in removing the plants completely. To dig up chive bulbs, use a thin trowel or similar tool. Be sure to water the area the day before to soften the ground. Dig up the bulbs carefully, being sure to get all of them. If you leave any bulbs behind, they will continue to grow and spread.
Removing Chives from Lawns
If chives have already spread to your lawn, you can remove them using a few different methods.
Manual Removal
One way to remove chives from your lawn is to dig them up by hand. This is a time-consuming method, but it is effective in removing the plants completely. To dig up chives, use a thin trowel or similar tool. Be sure to water the area the day before to soften the ground. Dig up the bulbs carefully, being sure to get all of them. If you leave any bulbs behind, they will continue to grow and spread.
Chemical Control
Another way to remove chives from your lawn is to use a chemical herbicide. Herbicides are effective in killing chives, but they can also damage your grass if they are not used properly. Be sure to read the label carefully before using any herbicide.
2,4-D
2,4-D is a chemical herbicide that is effective in killing chives. It is safe to use on most types of grass, but it can damage certain types of grass, such as St. Augustinegrass and bentgrass. Be sure to read the label carefully before using 2,4-D.
Tips for Controlling Chives
Here are a few additional tips for controlling chives:
- Be persistent. Chives are a persistent plant, and they can be difficult to control. Be sure to remove all of the blooms and bulbs, and be patient. It may take some time to get rid of all of the chives.
- Don’t overwater. Chives do not need a lot of water. Overwatering can make them more susceptible to disease and pests.
- Fertilize regularly. Chives need regular fertilization to grow healthy and strong. Fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide the plants. Chives can be divided in the spring or fall. Dividing the plants will help to keep them from spreading.
Conclusion
Chives are a popular herb that is easy to grow, but they can also be invasive. By following the tips in this article, you can prevent chives from spreading and keep them under control.
