Savoury garnish adding zest to any salad. Try chive butter or frozen chive cubes. Companion Plant: Grown close to carrots is said to improve their growth and deter carrot fly and next to roses to help control black spot. Also makes excellent organic insecticide.

Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing, Sow early spring outdoors 12mm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. They can also be started off under glass and planted out later. Germination usually takes 6-21 days at 18-21C (65-70F).

When large enough to handle thin out to 15cm (6in) apart and transplant in late spring to their final positions 30cm (12in) apart.

They prefer ordinary well drained garden soil, sun or part shade.

A subtle onion flavour excellent in salads, stews, scrambled egg or baked potatoes. Nature's Remedy: Recommended as an internal antiseptic or antibacterial agent and for easing coughs and colds. Fresh chives also help stimulate the appetite and promote digestion.