For those new to gardening or seeking gardening tips for success, planting chives alongside cucumber plants can be a beneficial strategy. While cucumbers are easy to grow, they can attract insects. Chives, easy to grow as well, emit a pungent odor that repels insects, helping cucumber plants thrive in the garden.
To avoid insect damage, you can also use natural insect repellents like soap spray. However, planting chives next to cucumber plants is a natural and effective way to deter bugs, while also providing a herb for culinary use.
Why chives?
Chives belong to the onion family and emit a strong odor, which repels insects like aphids and Japanese beetles. Planting chives with cucumbers helps protect the cucumber plants naturally from pests.
For best results, plant cucumber and chive plants outdoors in fertile, well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. Plant chives beneath the cucumber plants and ensure proper spacing between chive bulbs and cucumber plants.
Tips for maintaining your chive plants
To maintain healthy chive plants, ensure they are watered adequately to keep the soil moist, especially during the summer months. Avoid over-watering, as this can harm the plants. Regular fertilization is also crucial, but be cautious not to over-fertilize. Fertilize chives once a month or month and a half during the growing season, depending on growth stage and soil condition. Look for signs like yellowing leaves to determine when to fertilize, and choose a balanced fertilizer to avoid impacting the chive flavor.
