Kilei hakerem: Do I need to move chives and alpine strawberries when I didn't plan to eat them?
Question
Sholom u’vrocho!
I came across your article on line about the above topic.
I have 2 grape vines in separate locations in my garden in Chutz L’Aretz (Manchester).
Whilst I have taken care not to plant any vegetables near or under the vine I have some self-seeded chives which are growing near one. These are not eaten but have been allowed to grow as they produce purple flowers which attract the bees.
Near the second vine there are some alpine strawberries which have grown and spread just under the end of the leaf canopy. Again, these are not eaten but left for their tiny white flowers.
Do I need to uproot either or both the chives and the alpine strawberries?
Please advise. Yasher koach.
Answer
Both chives and alpine strawberries are edible, herbaceous perennials that renew from the root, so they are considered vegetables vis-a-vis kilei hakerem and should be moved elsewhere as soon as possible.
Even if you personally are not planning on eating them, or want to leave them there for other purposes, since they are plants that are eaten, they still constitute edible vegetables and thus are obligated in the kilei hakerem prohibition.