Garlic is a close relative to the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion. It is grown worldwide, but is originally native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran. Garlic also has global influence on cuisine as a staple ingredient that adds a pungent flavor to any dish. The bulbs are the most frequently used part of the plant in cooking, however there are other parts of the plant that are edible. The more-often used bulb is usually divided into sections referred to as “cloves”. The fleshy sections under the skin are the only truly edible parts of the plant in most circumstances. Occasionally in certain cooking, however, the bulb is left in tact, leaving only the base plate of the bulb as an inedible section.

So you’ve decided to plant garlic in your fantasitc garden, nice! According to our research on garlic, we don’t recommend planting asparagus, beans, and peas nearby.

To grow garlic, one must be aware that it reproduces asexually, which means that planting a clove in the dirt will provide you with a new garlic plant. It is important to remember that certain strains of the plant will not grow in certain regions, so you may consider sourcing garlic for cultivation from a nursery instead of attempting to plant a clove you purchased at a store for consumption. Your cloves can be planted in the fall or the spring. If you live in a colder climate, planting in the fall is recommended because the plant overwinters very well. Cover the plant with straw or mulch before the ground freezes to protect it from the cold air and frost. Once the plant begins to sprout, remove any flowers that start to grow, as these steal resources from the bulb, which will end up smaller due to this. When planting the cloves, be sure to leave the papery skin in tact. Bury them 4 inches down with the pointed side facing upward. When temperatures rise, water the plant every 3-5 days.

When it comes time to harvest the garlic, look for yellowing tops that appear to be dying off. This should happen in July or August. Take a small spade and gently remove the dirt around the bulb. It is important to do this carefully as to not damage the bulb or the skin around it. Cure your garlic for 2 weeks by storing it in a cool, dry place. Once the skin is dry and papery, it is ready for use!