WHY CHIVES ARE A MUST-HAVE FOR BEES

DRIED CHIVES IN BLOOM WITH A HONEYBEE

ESTIMATED READ TIME: 12 MINUTES

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Learn how these easy-to-grow herbs attract pollinators and benefit your plants

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Bees are some of the most important visitors in any garden.

They help plants grow by spreading pollen, and without them, many fruits, vegetables, and flowers wouldn’t survive.

One easy way to support bees is by growing chives.

These small herbs are simple to care for, look great in any garden, and bloom with beautiful purple flowers what bees love.

In this post, you’ll learn why chives are a smart and helpful choice for any bee-friendly space.

CHIVES
BEES
CONTAINERS

WHAT WE’LL COVER

DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT WILD WEST SUCCULENTS IN A SIMPLE WAY?
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT WE’LL COVER
WHY GROW CHIVES?
HERE ARE SOME GREAT CULINARY USES:
EASY TO GROW & LOW MAINTENANCE
GREAT FOR CULINARY USES
GREAT CULINARY USES:
GARNISH AND FLAVOR BOOSTER
CHIVE BUTTER AND CREAM CHEESE
HERB-INFUSED OILS AND VINEGARS
CHIVE PESTO
SAVORY BAKED GOODS
EGG DISHES
CHIVE SOUP AND SAUCES
HOMEMADE CHIVE VINEGAR
CHIVE ICE CUBE
NATURAL PEST REPELLENT?
COMMON GARDEN PEST TO REPEL
COMPANION PLANTING FOR PROTECTION
DIY CHIVE SPRAY FOR PEST CONTROL
HOW TO MAKE IT:
TO PREVENT DISEASE AND DETER PESTS
HELPS PREVENT FUNGAL DISEASES
DETERS DEER, RABBITS AND INSECTS
GREAT FOR DIY & HOUSEHOLD USES
HOMEMADE CHIVE VINEGAR FOR CLEANING
HERBAL HAIR RINSE
DIY CHIVE MULCH FOR OTHER PLANTS
NATURAL DYE FOR FABRIC OR PAPER
WHY IN A CONTAINER?
HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER PLANTING CHIVES IN A CONTAINER:
SPACE-SAVING SOLUTION
PERFECT FOR SMALL GARDENS
GREAT FOR URBAN GARDENING
MOBILITY AND FLEXIBILITY
MOVEABLE
WEATHER PROTECTION
BEE AND POLLINATOR FRIENDLY
KEEP CHIVES AWAY FROM PESTS
AESTHETIC APPEAL
CONTROL OVER SOIL AND WATERING
PREVENT OVERCROWDING AND INVASIVE GROWTH
WHY ORGANIC HEIRLOOM PLANTS?
HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THEM:
NATURALLY ADAPTED AND RESILIENT
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
BETTER FOR BEES AND POLLINATORS
SUPERIOR FLAVOR AND NUTRITION
SEED SAVING AND SUSTAINABILITY
UNIQUE AND RARE VARIETIES
WHY BEES LOVE CHIVES!
HERE’S WHY CHIVES ARE A BEE FAVORITE:
NECTAR AND POLLEN POWERHOUSE
LONG BLOOMING SEASON
ATTRACTIVE PURPLE FLOWERS
EASY ACCESS TO FOOD
SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY
GREAT FOR BEEKEEPERS
A LOW-MAINTENANCE BEE-FRIENDLY PLANT
WHY I LOVE CHIVES!!
HERE’S WHY CHIVES ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE HERBS:
EASY TO GROW AND LOW MAINTENANCE
A KITCHEN ESSENTIAL
LOVED BY POLLINATORS
NATURAL PEST REPELLENT
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES AND CONTAINERS
GREAT FOR DIY AND HOUSEHOLD USES
SAVES MONEY
JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ONION FLAVOR
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL HINTS
CONCLUSION
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
JOIN US TODAY!

CHIVES BLOOMING IN SPRING WITH A HONEYBEE GATHERING NECTAR

WHY GROW CHIVES?

CHIVES ARE A VERSATILE HERB THAT ADDS A MILD ONION FLAVOR TO MANY DISHES.

GREAT CULINARY USES:

EASY TO GROW & LOW MAINTENANCE

ONE OF THE EASIEST HERBS TO GROW
REQUIRES MINIMAL CARE
THEY COME BACK EVERY YEAR

GREAT FOR CULINARY USES

CHIVES ARE A VERSATILE HERB AND ADDS A MILD ONION FLAVOR TO MANY DISHES.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT CULINARY USES:

AS A GARNISH AND FLAVOR BOOSTER

SPRINKLE FRESHLY CHOPPED CHIVES ON SOUPS, SALAD, EGGS, POTATOES, PASTA, AND GRILLED MEATS
USE A GARNISH FOR DEVILED EGGS, BAKED POTATOES, OR CREAMY DIPS
ADD CHOPPED CHIVES TO BISCUITS, SCONES, CORNBREAD, OR SAVORY MUFFINS FOR A DELICIOUS HERB FLAVOR
I LOVE ADDING CHIVES AND CHEESE TO BISCUITS, SCONES, CORNBREAD, OR MUFFINS!

CHIVE BUTTER AND CREAM CHEESE

MIX CHOPPED CHIVES INTO BUTTER FOR A DELICIOUS SPREAD ON BREAD, STEAK, OR ROASTED VEGGIES
STIR INTO CREAM CHEESE OR SOUR CREAM FOR A FLAVORFUL BAGEL SPREAD OR DIP

CHIVE PESTO

SWAP BASIL FOR CHIVES IN HOMEMADE PESTO FOR A MILD ONION TWIST

HERB-INFUSED OILS AND VINEGARS

INFUSED OLIVE OIL OR VINEGAR WITH CHIVES TO DRIZZLE OVER SALAD, ROASTED VEGGIES, OR GRILLED DISHES

HOMEMADE CHIVE VINEGAR

SOAK CHIVE BLOSSOMS IN VINEGAR FOR A BEAUTIFUL PINK-HUED CHIVE-INFUSED VINEGAR PERFECT FOR SALADS AND MARINADES

CHIVE OLIVE OIL ICE CUBE

FREEZE CHOPPED CHIVES IN OLIVE OIL OR BROTH FOR QUICK USE IN COOKING

NATURAL PEST REPELLENT:

COMMON GARDEN PEST TO REPEL

APHIDS-CHIVES HELP REPEL APHIDS WHEN PLANTED NEAR SEMPERVIVUM, ROSES, TOMATOES, AND OTHER SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS

COMPANION PLANTING FOR PROTECTION

PLANT CHIVES NEAR SEMPERVIVUM, ROSES, TOMATOES, CARROTS, LETTUCE, OR FRUIT TREES TO NATURALLY WARD OFF UNWANTED INSECTS
AVOID PLANTING THEM NEAR BEANS OR PEAS, AS THEY MAY INHABIT GROWTH IN THOSE PLANTS

DIY CHIVE SPRAY FOR PEST CONTROL

HOW TO MAKE IT:

CHOP A HANDFUL OF FRESH CHIVES
STEEP THEM IN BOILING WATER FOR A FEW HOURS
STAIN AND PUT THE LIQUID INTO A SPRAY BOTTLE
SPRITZ ON PLANTS TO DETER PESTS LIKE APHIDS AND MITES

TO PREVENT DISEASE AND DETER PESTS

HELPS PREVENT FUNGAL DISEASES

CHIVES CONTAIN SULFUR COMPOUNDS THAT MAY HAVE REDUCE FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN NEARBY PLANTS, LIKE POWDERY MILDEW ON CUCUMBERS AND SQUASH

DETERS DEER, RABBITS AND INSECTS

THE STRONG SCENT OF CHIVES CAN HELP KEEP DEER, RABBITS, AND SQUIRRELS FROM MUNCHING ON YOUR GARDEN PLANTS
ONIONS, GARLIC AND CHIVES CAN DETER APHIDS AND JAPANESE BEETLES

GREAT FOR DIY & HOUSEHOLD USES

HOMEMADE CHIVE VINEGAR FOR CLEANING

SOAK CHIVE BLOSSOMS IN WHITE VINEGAR FOR A FEW WEEKS
THE RESULT? A LIGHT ONION-SCENTED VINEGAR THAT CAN BE USED FOR CLEANING COUNTERTIPS, GLASS, AND EVEN AS A NATURAL FABRIC SOFTENER

HERBAL HAIR RINSE

CHIVE-INFUSED WATER CAN BE USED AS A HAIR RINSE TO HELP WITH SCALP HEALTH AND SHINE
SIMPLE STEEP CHIVES IN WARM WATER, LET COOL, AND USE AFTER SHAMPOOING

DIY CHIVE MULCH FOR OTHER PLANTS

DRIED OR CHOPPED FRESH CHIVES CAN BE USED AS A MULCH OR COMPOST ADDITIVE TO ENRICH SOIL
THEIR NATURAL SULFUR COMPOUNDS MAY EVEN HELP REDUCE FUNGAL DISEASES IN THE GARDEN

NATURAL DYE FOR FABRIC OR PAPER

CHIVES (ESPECIALLY THEIR BLOSSOMS) CAN BE USED TO CREATE A LIGHT GREEN OR PINK NATURAL DYE FOR CRAFTS OR FABRIC PROJECTS

WHY IN A CONTAINER?

PLANTING CHIVES IN A CONTAINER OFFERS SEVERAL ADVANTAGES, MAKING IT A GREAT CHOICE FOR GARDENERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH LIMITED SPACE OR SPECIFIC NEEDS.

PLANTING CHIVES IN A CONTAINER:

SPACE-SAVING SOLUTION

PERFECT FOR SMALL GARDENS

IF YOUR GARDENING IN A SMALL SPACE OR HAVE LIMITED GROUND SPACE, A CONTAINER LET YOU GROW CHIVES IN BALCONIES, PATIOS, OR WINDOWSILL

GREAT FOR URBAN GARDENING

URBAN GARDENERS CAN EASILY GROW CHIVES ON APARTMENT BALCONIES OR EVEN INDOORS IN A SUNNY SPOT

MOBILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

MOVEABLE

CONTAINERS ALLOW YOU TO MOVE CHIVES AROUND TO FIND THE BEST SUN EXPOSURE OR TO PROTECT THEM FROM HARSH WEATHER
YOU CAN ALSO RELOCATE THEM TO AVOID PESTS OR ALLOW THEM OT CATCH MORE SUNLIGHT

WEATHER PROTECTION

IN COLD CLIMATES, CONTAINTER CHIVES CAN BE BROUGHT INDOORS DURING WINTER, EXTENDING THEIR GROWING SEASON

BEE AND POLLINATOR FRIENDLY

PLACE CHIVES IN A CONTAINER NEAR THE GARDEN CAN ATTRACT POLLINATORS SUCH AS BEES AND BUTTERFLIES, PROVIDING BENEFITS TO BOTH YOU CHIVES AND SURROUNDNG PLANTS

KEEP CHIVES AWAY FROM PESTS

GROWING CHIVES IN A CONTAINER HELPS KEEP THEM SEPARATE FROM GROUND PESTS LIKE SLUGS, SNAILS, OR APHIDS
IT’S AN EASY WAY TO PROTECT YOUR CHIVES WHILE STILL ALLOWING THEM TO THRIVE

AESTHETIC APPEAL

CHIVES HAVE BEAUTIFUL PURPLE FLOWERS THAT LOOK GREAT IN DECORATIVE CONTAINERS
PLANTING THEM IN POTS CAN BE STYLISH ADDITION IN YOUR GARDEN, BALCONY, OR EVEN YOU KITCHEN COUNTER

CONTROL OVER SOIL AND WATERING

YOU HAVE MORE CONTROL OVER THE SOIL AND WATERING CONDITIONS WHEN CHIVES ARE IN A CONTAINER
CONTAINERS ALLOW YOU TO CHOOSE A BETTER POTTING MIX FOR OPTIMAL GROWTH

PREVENT OVERCROWDING AND INVASIVE GROWTH

GROWING THEM IN A CONTAINER HELPS CONTAIN THEIR GROWTH
IN SPRING, SIMPLY REMOVE ALL PLANTS FROM THEIR CONTAINERS AND SEPERATE TO ALLOW FOR THE NEW SEASONS GROWTH
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GIVE SOME AWAY AS GIFTS OR TO RETHINK YOUR GARDEN MAKING NEW CONTAINERS

WHY ORGANIC HEIRLOOM PLANTS?

PLANTING ORGANIC HEIRLOOM PLANTS OFFERS A VARIETY OF BENEFITS FOR YOUR GARDEN, HEALTH, AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THEM:

NATURALLY ADAPTED AND RESILIENT

HEIRLOOM PLANTS HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN FOR GENERATION, OFTEN OVER 50-100 YEARS, AND ARE NATURALLY ADAPTED TO THEIR SPECIFIC GROWING CONDITIONS
MANY HEIRLOOM VARIETIES ARE HARDIER AND MORE DISEASE-RESISTANT THAN MODERN HYBRID PLANTS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

ORGANIC HEIRLOOM PLANTS ARE GROWN WITHOUT SYNTHETIC PESTICIDES OR FERTILIZERS, MAKING THEM BETTER FOR POLLINATORS, SOIL HEALTH, AND WATER CONSERVATION

BETTER FOR BEES AND POLLINATORS

MANY HEIRLOOM PLANTS PRODUCE MORE NECTAR AND POLLEN THAN HYBRIDS, MAKING THEM EXCELLENT FOR ATTRACTING BEES, BUTTERFLIES, AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS
SINCE THEY AREN’T GENETICALLY MODIFIED, THEY PROVIDE PURE, NATURAL FOOD SOURCE FOR POLLINATORS

SUPERIOR FLAVOR AND NUTRITION

HEIRLOOM FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND HERBS OFTEN HAVE RICHER FLAVORS AND HIGHER NUTRIENT CONTENT COMPAIRED TO MASS-PRODUCED HYBRIDS
MANY HEIRLOOM VARIETIES WERE BRED FOR TASTE AND QUALITY, RATHER THAN FOR TRANSPORT AND SHELF

SEED SAVING AND SUSTAINABILITY

UNLIKE HYBRID PLANTS, HEIRLOOM VARIETIES PRODUCE TRUE SEEDS, MEANING YOU CAN SAVE AND REPLANT SEEDS YEAR AFTER YEAR WITHOUT LOSING THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
THIS MAKES THEM A COST-EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CHOICE FOR HOME GARDENERS

UNIQUE AND RARE VARIETIES

WITH HEIRLOOM PLANTS, YOU CAN GROW RARE, COLORFUL, AND UNIQUE VARIETIES FOUND IN GROCERY STORES
FOR EXAMPLE, PURPLE CARROTS, STRIPED TOMATOES, OR BLUE CORN
THESE PLANTS HELP PRESERVE AGRICULTURE HISTORY AND GENETIC DIVERSITY

WHY BEES LOVE CHIVES!

BEES LOVE CHIVES BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE AN ABUNDANT, NECTAR-RICH FOOD SOURCE THAT SOURCE THAT SUPPORTS POLLINATORS THROUGHOUT THE GROWING SEASON.

HERE’S WHY CHIVES ARE A BEE FAVORITE:

NECTAR AND POLLEN POWERHOUSE

CHIVE FLOWERS ARE PACKED WITH NECTAR AND POLLEN, OFFERING ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR BEES
THE HIGH NECTAR CONTENT MAKE A RELIABLE FOOD SOURCE FOR HONEYBEES, BUMBLEBEES, AND NATIVE BEES

LONG BLOOMING SEASON

HIVES BLOOM IN LATE SPRING TO EARLY SUMMER, FILING THE GAP WHEN OTHER FLOWERS MIGHT NOT YET BE AVAILABLE
SOME VARIETIES MAY EVEN REBLOOM LATER IN THE SEASON IF DEADHEADED

ATTRACTIVE PURPLE FLOWERS

BEES ARE NATURALLY DRAWN TO PURPLE AND BLUE FLOWERS, AS THEY SEE THESE COLORS MORE VIVIDLY
THE GLOBE-LIKE SHAPE OF CHIVE BLOSSOMS MAKES IT EASY FOR BEES TO LAND AND COLLECT NECTAR EFFICIENTLY

EASY ACCESS TO FOOD

UNLIKE SOME FLOWERS, CHIVE FLOWERS HAVE OPEN, ACCESSIBLE FLORETS, MAKING IT EASY FOR BEES TO GATHER NECTAR

SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY

CHIVES ATTRACT VARIOUS BEE SPECIES, INCLUDING HONEYBEES, MASON BEES, AND BUMBLEBEES, HELPING TO SUPPORT A DIVERSE POLLINATOR POPULATION
MORE POLLINATORS MEAN BETTER FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN YOUR GARDEN

GREAT FOR BEEKEEPERS

IF YOU KEEP BEES, PLANTING CHIVES NEAR HIVES ENSURES A STEADY NECTAR FLOW, WHICH HELPS BEES PRODUCE HONEY
CHIVE NECTAR CONTRIBUTES TO FLAVORFUL HONEY WITH MILD HERBAL NOTES

A LOW-MAINTENANCE BEE-FRIENDLY PLANT

CHIVES ARE PERENNIAL AND RETURN YEAR AFTER YEAR, PROVIDING A CONSISTENT FOOD SOURCE FOR POLLINATORS
THEY REQUIRE MINIMAL CARE, MAKING THEM A LOW-EFFORT WAY TO SUPPORT BEE POPULATIONS

WHY I LOVE CHIVES!!

THERE ARE SO MANY REASON TO LOVE CHIVES FROM THEIR CULINARY VERSATILITY TO THEIR BENEFITS FOR THE GARDEN AND POLLINATORS!

HERE’S WHY CHIVES ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE HERBS:

EASY TO GROW AND LOW MAINTENANCE

CHIIVES THRIVE IN ALMOST ANY SOIL AND REQUIRE VERY LITTLE CARE
THEY’RE PERENNIAL, MEANING THEY COME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR

A KITCHEN ESSENTIAL

CHIVES ADD A FRESH, MILD ONION FLAVOR TO COUNTLESS DISHES
THEY’RE PERFECT FOR SOUPS, SALADS, OMELETS, BAKED POTATOES, DIPS AND MORE

LOVED BY POLLINATORS

THEIR NECTAR-RICH PURPLE FLOWERS ATTRACT BEES, BUTTERFLIES, AND OTHER BENEFICIAL INSECTS
A SINGLE CHIVE PATCH CAN HELP SUPPORT A HEALTHY GARDEN ECOSYSTEM

NATURAL PEST REPELLENT

CHIVES HELP DETER APHIDS, AND OTHER GARDEN PESTS WHEN PLANTED NEAR VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

A DELICATE PURPLE FLOWER ARE NOT ONLY BEE-FRIENDLY BUT ALSO ADD A POP OF COLOR TO THE GARDEN
THEY’RE EDIBLE TOO!
TOSS THEM IN SALADS FOR A GOURMENT TOUCH

PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES AND CONTAINERS

CHIVES ARE ONE OT THE BEST HERBS FOR CONTAINERS, BALCONIES, AND WINDOWSILLS
THEY TAKE UP VERY LITTLE SPACE BUT PROVIDE A TON OF FLAVOR AND BENEFITS

GREAT FOR DIY AND HOUSEHOLD USES

USE DRIED CHIVES IN HOMEMADE HERB BLENDS AND INFUSED OILS
ADD THEM TO VINEGARS AND BUTTERS FOR A GOURMET TWIST

SAVES MONEY

STORE-BOUGHT CHIVES CAN BE PRICEY
GROWING YOUR OWN MEANS FREE HERBS YEAR-ROUND!

JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ONION FLAVOR

UNLIKE STRONG ONIONS, CHIVES GIVE DISHES A MILD, FRESH ONIONY TASTE WITHOUT OVERPOWERING THEM

ADDITIONAL HELPFUL HINTS

CLIP OFF SOME FLOWERS TO DRY FOR FUTURE CHIVE PLANTS
DRY FLOWERS TO GIVE AS GIFTS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
DRY STEMS OF CHIVES TO ENJOY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS UNTIL CHIVES START GROWING AGAIN IN SPRING

CONCLUSION

Chives aren’t just tasty, they’re also super helpful for bees!

Their flowers give bees food, and the plants are easy to grow.

If you want to help bees in your garden, chives are a fun and simple way to start.

Plant a few, watch them bloom, and enjoy seeing bees come to visit!

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SOURCES

ALMANAC, HOW TO GROW CHIVES: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

SWANSONS NURSERY, CHIVE TALKIN’

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, CHIVES

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