February 2022: Chives

Blog by the Garden Center Team

This month's seed kit features Chives! To support our environment, some seed kit materials are now available digitally.

Planting Instructions

• Culture: Sow outdoors Feb. – April or at any time if growing indoors. Chives prefer a rich, well-drained soil and full sun, with partial shade in the warmest areas. Place seeds about ¼ " deep.
• Water: Irrigate as needed to keep soil moist, but not saturated, until germination (1 – 2 weeks). Thin seedlings to 6" apart. Provide consistent watering throughout the growing season for good production.
• Harvest: Chives reach maturity in about 90 days, but can be harvested at any point by clipping the stems a few inches above the soil.
• Culture: Chives tend to die back in cold weather, but are perennial and will grow back as the temperature warms. Once established, chives will grow in clumps that should be divided every 2 to 3 years.
• Culinary Tip: Chives add a mild onion flavor and complement many types of dishes. Chop fresh and add to butter or pesto. The purple flowers are also edible, and add a colorful touch to salads.

More About Chives

Chives are a member of the lily family of plants, also known as amaryllis, in the same class as onions, garlic, and leeks. The flavorful herb has been used in cooking for thousands of years, from ancient China to Medieval Europe, eventually making its way to the Americas.

According to legend, chives have been used by fortune-tellers who tossed their blades in the air with a question in mind and interpreted the way they landed as the answer. Hanging bunches of dried chives was thought to keep a home safe from evil. The ancient Romans also believed chives had medicinal properties and could relieve the pain of a sunburn or sore throat.

Today chives are known to be both nutritious (containing Vitamin K and antioxidants) and versatile enough to enhance cuisine around the world, from Chinese dumplings to casseroles.

Cheddar Chive Muffins

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• ⅛ tsp. ground black pepper
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 tbsp. chives, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease muffin tray with vegetable oil, non-stick spray, or butter.
2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
3. Make a well in the center and add beaten egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir together until ingredients are combines.
4. Spoon the batter into greased muffin tin until ¾ full. Bake in preheated oven until golden and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. About 20-25 minutes.

Craft: Herbal Bug Repellent

You'll Need:

• Fresh rosemary, spearmint, and/or lemon balm
• Dried or fresh citrus slices
• Glass quart jars
• Floating candles

Instructions:

1. Pick your herbs of choice (fresh is best).
2. Add a citrus slice in the bottom of the jar. Pack the jar the rest of the way with rosemary, lemon balm, and spearmint sprigs.
3. Fill the jar to the bottom rim with water. Add a floating candle.
4. Light the candle and place jar on a table or countertop. Placing multiple jars around a patio is a great way to repel mosquitos and other pests!