Growing Garlic; Yes Now!
I know it is late the season, but I still want to get my hands in the soil. Is there anything I can plant now? Why yes there is! Garlic! Planting garlic in the fall is a common practice in many regions because it allows the garlic to establish roots and develop before winter sets in. Planting garlic now will yield an abundant harvest next summer. It is also very easy to do!
If your winters are cold, it is best to choose a hardneck garlic. Hardneck varieties tend to be more flavorful than softnecks and much more cold hardy. You will have better success and yield larger bulbs and the storage life exceeds softneck varieties. Choose healthy bulbs from a nursery, garden store, or even your local grocery store (choose organic if possible).
When should I plant the garlic? NOW! Ideally you should have your garlic planted about 3 weeks before a hard frost. Usually in October. Select a well-drained, sunny area in your garden. Remove weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Carefully separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, but leave the papery skin on each clove. Use the largest, healthiest cloves for planting.
Plant each clove about 2-3 inches deep with the pointed end facing up and the flat end down. Space about 4-6 inches apart in rows with the rows 8 inches apart. This allows plenty of room for the garlic grow to it’s full potential.
Cover the are with a layer of mulch or leaves to help insulate the garlic and prevent weeds. Water generously after planting to settle the soil and provide moisture to the cloves. Adding a slow-release fertilizer will help balance the soil. As winter approaches, make sure to keep the bed well-mulched. In an area with harsh winters it is wise to add an extra layer of mulch for added protection.
In the spring, you will notice the garlic start to send green shoots through the soil. Make sure to water the soil as needed.
When do I harvest my garlic? Garlic is typically ready to harvest in late spring or early summer when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Be careful not to leave the garlic in the ground for too long, as it can split or lose its flavor. After harvesting the garlic, allow the garlic bulbs to cure by hanging them in a dry well-ventilated area for a few weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.
A little work in the fall, can yield a generous harvest of flavorful bulbs the following summer.
Roasted Garlic
Ingredients: 1 Head of Garlic, Olive Oil
Directions: Heat oven to 400*F. Keep garlic head intact and cut a sliver off from the top of the garlic head. Place head of garlic into a piece of tinfoil, drizzle with olive oil (generous amount) and cover whole head of garlic with foil. Bake for 45-55 minutes.
Ways to Enjoy: Add to dishes, pasta or spread on bread!