Divide chives at the end of summer to keep them fresh
Chives have usually grown into a large clump by the end of summer and really need splitting up to keep them rejuvenated. If you leave them in a huge clump they start dying out in the centre and will become weak and spindly.
You will need:
- fork
- pot (15cm; 6") + piece of crock
- potting compost
Gently ease the plant out of the ground and prise apart into several pieces.
Re-plant each portion; don’t fertilise at this time of year as the plants will put on a spurt of soft growth which may succumb to the winter frosts.
You can always pot some up to keep handy on the kitchen windowsill. Just place the crock over the drainage hole in the pot, fill with good quality peat-free potting compost.
Make a hole in the centre of the compost and firm in the portion of chives you are potting up. Water and stand in a saucer on a sunny windowsill.
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