Garlic, a member of the allium family, is an ancient and versatile bulbous vegetable that is easy to grow and doesn’t require much space. Each garlic bulb is made up of several cloves, which can be planted individually to produce new bulbs containing 5-10 cloves. Garlic is a popular addition to many dishes and tastes great when roasted or used as a seasoning.

TYPES OF GARLIC

1. Softneck Garlic: is best for warmer climates, has a mild flavor, and stores longer.

  • Stem: Flexible, soft stems that are easy to braid, making it ideal for long-term storage.
  • Climate: Thrives in warmer climates, typically grown in the southern U.S. and other milder regions.
  • Flavor: Milder in flavor, though some varieties can still have a strong taste.
  • Bulbs: Usually larger bulbs with more cloves, often 10-20 small cloves per bulb.
  • Storage: Stores for many months, often lasting up to 9 months or longer when properly cured.
  • Types: Common varieties include “Artichoke” and “Silverskin” garlic.
  • Flowering: Does not produce a scape (flowering stem), focusing more energy on bulb production.

2. Hardneck Garlic: s more suited to colder regions, offers stronger flavors, and produces a scape, though it has a shorter storage life.

  • Stem: Stiff, hard stems that cannot be braided but produce a central flowering stalk called a “scape.”
  • Climate: Thrives in colder climates, commonly grown in northern regions due to its cold hardiness.
  • Flavor: More robust, complex, and varied flavors, often stronger than softneck garlic.
  • Bulbs: Typically, fewer but larger cloves, usually 4-12 cloves per bulb.
  • Storage: Shorter storage life, usually lasting 4-6 months after harvest.
  • Types: Common varieties include “Rocambole,” “Purple Stripe,” and “Porcelain.”
  • Flowering: Produces a scape in late spring or early summer, which can be harvested and used in cooking.

WHERE TO PLANT GARLIC

Garlic should be planted in an area that hasn’t recently grown garlic or other allium family members, such as onions. Avoid locations where water might pool around the roots, as this can lead to rot or disease.

FALL PLANTING

Plant garlic cloves in mid-autumn in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Place cloves root side down, spaced 4-6 inches apart, with rows spaced 1-1/2 to 2 inches apart. Cover the cloves with 1-2 inches of soil. In colder climates, add 6 inches of mulch for winter protection. Garlic may start to grow late in fall or early spring.

SOIL PREPARATION

For best results, plant garlic in fertile, well-drained soil, such as in a raised bed. Remove any stones from the top 6 inches of soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure, along with 10-10-10 fertilizer.

PLANTING GARLIC

Separate the garlic cloves and plant them 4-6 inches apart with the pointed end facing up and the blunt end down. Space the rows about one foot apart. Push each clove 1-2 inches into the soil, firm the ground around it, and water if needed.

GARLIC HARVESTING AND STORAGE

Harvest garlic when most of the leaves have turned yellow and brown, usually from mid-July to early August, depending on your climate. Carefully dig up the bulbs to avoid bruising. If left in the ground too long, the bulbs may split and won’t store well. Allow the garlic to dry for 2-3 weeks in a shady area with good airflow. If rain is forecasted, bring the garlic inside. Once the roots are dry and brittle, rub them off along with any loose dirt.

Store garlic by tying it in bunches, braiding the leaves, or cutting the stems a few inches above the bulbs. Hang the bunches or store the bulbs on screens or shelves in a cool, airy place. Set aside the largest bulbs for replanting in the fall. During winter, check your stored garlic regularly and use any bulbs that show signs of sprouting.