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When you purchase potted chives at a nursery, you may choose to transplant them into your garden when you get them home. These chives are ornamental as well as edible. Indeed, every part of the plant can be eaten, either as is, or in recipes.
Chives will grow well in an area of their own, or with flowers and other herbs. They will also grow well near some vegetables, such as tomatoes, allowing you to grow them in a salad garden.
Purchase potted chives at a local nursery, or obtain them from someone you know. Be sure to choose chives that were started from organic seeds, that are heirlooms if possible for the best taste and the most disease resistance. Ask the person whether or not the chives have been continuously grown under organic conditions.
Locate the area in which you want to transplant the chives to. Be sure that this is an area that receives six to eight hours of sun each day, and that the soil is well-drained. Ensure that the soils pH is at six or seven.
Transplant the chives from the pot to the ground during the spring. Do this about six to eight weeks after they are potted for the best results. Work the area where you wish to grow the herbs to about six inches deep, and then work two inches of compost into the the soil.
Plant each chive plant four inches apart in every directions, so that they will not be overcrowded to start. Allow the chives to grow in place for a few weeks, then begin harvesting.
Divide the chives every two or three years, or as necessary to prevent them from overcrowding. Do this during the late summer or early autumn months so they will grow quickly for a new harvest.
Three hours before dividing, water the area well. Use scissors and cut the chives back to about four inches before loosening the soil around the chives with your hands, and lift the chives out of the soil. Shake the chives slightly to allow the dirt to fall back to the ground. Use your fingers to help this process along. Gently pull the chive plant apart into three or four clumps and replant each four inches apart where desired, and 1/2 inch deeper than they were originally planted. Cover the roots with soil, and add more compost to the area.
References and Resources:
UNL Extension: Herb Gardening with Rosemary, Chives and Basil
University of Minnesota Extension: Chives
Utah State University Extension: Chives in the Garden
Heirloom Seed: History
Herb Companion: Dividing and Growing Chives
GardenAction: Growing Chives
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I see a lot of interesting articles here. Bookmarked for future referrence.