Meet the neighbours · herb
Chives
Hardy, self-seeding, one of the first plants up in spring.
Chives are the early riser of the herb bed, often the first green thing up in spring. Their pink-purple flowers attract bees, and they are a great companion plant for tomatoes and strawberries.
How to grow it
- Hardy and self-seeding — once established, it returns early each spring.
- Let some flowers bloom for the bees, then harvest others for the kitchen.
How to use & eat it
- Sun Vinegar: fill a jar half full of chive blossoms, top with white distilled vinegar, cap, and leave in the sun about 2 weeks until the vinegar turns light pink. Strain and use in salads and steamed vegetables.
Makes friends with
Companion planting is just good neighbouring — these do better beside Chives.
TomatoStrawberryCarrot
Cook with it
- Radish Green PestoA genuine discovery story — Cindy grew radishes only as a row marker for carrots, tried the greens on a whim, and now calls this the "BEST pesto Ever!"
- Rhubarb Spring SalsaA bright, tangy salsa made from the very first thing ready in the spring garden — rhubarb.
- Fresh Rhubarb Summer SalsaA crisp, colourful summer salsa that uses raw rhubarb the way you'd use a tangy vegetable — excellent on burgers, tacos, or straight up with chips.
Other neighbours
- TomatoThe loud, generous neighbour who shows up with more than you asked for.
- Carrot TopsContain more vitamin C and A than the carrot root itself — don't throw them away.
- Black CurrantSmall, dark berries on a compact, easy-care shrub — one of the most overlooked superfoods on the block.
- RaspberriesA beloved perennial in Cindy's garden and family history — she hopes to never be without a raspberry patch.