You can definitely direct sow garlic chives! Direct seeding is actually the recommended method for growing garlic chives. It’s a fairly straightforward process that can be done in the spring when the soil has warmed up.
To start, you’ll want to sow the garlic chive seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil. Make sure the soil is well-prepared and free of any weeds or debris. If the soil is compacted, you can loosen it up with a garden fork or tiller to create a loose and friable texture.
When sowing the seeds, you can place 4-6 seeds every 6 inches or around 1-2 seeds per inch. This will give the plants enough space to grow and establish themselves without overcrowding. It’s always a good idea to sow a few extra seeds to account for any potential poor germination rates.
Once the seeds are sown, gently cover them with a thin layer of soil and lightly press down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water the area thoroughly but gently, making sure not to wash away the seeds. You’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the germination period, which usually takes around 1-2 weeks.
As the garlic chive seedlings start to emerge, you may notice that they are quite close together. This is normal, as garlic chives tend to grow in clumps. However, they will eventually need to be thinned out to give each plant enough space to thrive.
Thin the seedlings to 2-3 plants every 2-8 inches, depending on how much space you have available and how big you want the mature plants to grow. Thinning can be done by carefully pulling out the excess seedlings, being careful not to disturb the roots of the remaining plants.
Throughout the growing season, it’s important to keep the garlic chives free of weeds. Regular weeding will help ensure that the plants have access to all the nutrients and resources they need to grow strong and healthy.
In terms of care, garlic chives are relatively low-maintenance. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will help keep the plants happy and thriving.
In my personal experience, I have found direct sowing garlic chives to be quite successful. The seeds germinate relatively easily, and the plants grow quickly once they become established. I have enjoyed having fresh garlic chives readily available in my garden for use in various culinary dishes.
To summarize, direct sowing garlic chives is a simple and effective method of growing these flavorful herbs. By following the recommended steps of sowing the seeds at the right depth, thinning the seedlings, and keeping the area free of weeds, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of garlic chives in your garden.
