Transplanting Garlic Chives into Raised Beds

 

Fall was here for a few days, and I accomplished a lot.  The humidity and heat returned, so I began dreaming of another cold front while working on some garden improvements. 

One being a tall, raised bed just for garlic.  I am a bit of an optimist because with our climate this is a long shot.  

Then something neat happened last Saturday, we went to a farmers’ market where I discovered garlic chives from a very nice man.  I was pumped because they came from an established planted area in his garden.

We had the nicest conversation, that led us to adding 5 fig trees to our purchase.  

Robert and I enjoy visiting with people who have the same interests and come to find out he also implements direct composting.  

His version was a bit extended, like instead of adding it directly to a planted bed he digs in the ground nearby.

If you don’t know what I am talking about then please get my free garden guide.  This topic is also covered in my book, Garden Up Green.

So, when we returned home, I decided that instead of planting garlic in that new bed, I would transplant these wonderful garlic chives.

The bed was already prepped but the weather well as you know was too hot for transplanting.  So, let’s look at how I established this new raised bed.

First Establish a Raised Bed

I used 2 x 6 pine boards and since I was reusing the bottom frame, I only had to build two additional frames.  

This time I decided the top piece would be four feet, leaving two open pockets on the second floor.  I will probably plant some nasturtiums or pansies in those small spaces.

The beds are easy to build, simply cut your boards to your preferred size and connect them with screws from each end.

Then I fill the bottom frame open the ground with sticks, leaves and pine needles.  I added soil purchased from a nursery to about the second level, then I added some fresh composting material.

I filled the bed to the rim and let it sit for about a week and watered three times so it would pack down.  It was looking amazing; this all took place before I purchased the chives.  

So, keep in mind I was still thinking this raised bed would be for garlic.

Transplanting the Garlic Chives

The other morning, I took a chance and decided to finally transplant the garlic chives.  They were pretty rootbound in that pot and I knew they needed space.

It was early and cool, so I figured moving forward was a good choice.  The plan was to spread them out into their own area in this 4 ft. bed because chives have a tendency to grow fast.  

I have no doubt this bed will be full in a year. 

They were relatively easy to separate since I kept the soil moist and once, they were secure I watered them a couple of times. 

That evening I added pine needles over the top for mulch to help them recover from the heat.  Pine has a way of keeping the soil moist and cool.

Finishing Up

That was all there was to it, a relatively easy project implemented over a few days without feeling rushed.  This is the best way to enjoy gardening; never rush the process of goodness.

I have not given up on trying to grow garlic in our climate.  There is one more attempt left in me; I think a smaller bed is in order going four frames high.  

Filling that bed will be the same process as this project and monitoring the highs and lows will be a must.  We'll see what happens.   

If you are interested in that project let me know.  Now we just wait for the temperatures to cool so we can experience the goodness of fall gardening.  

Encouraging goodness,

Carole West