#growing garlic

like dis. hardneck on the left, softneck on the right.

hardneck has a stem right down the middle, having a dedicated neck. softneck has all the cloves pointing up and layered like an onion, cosnidering it soft.

Ready to strengthen your gardening game with the powerful, flavorful, and highly versatile garlic plant? Let us guide you through the surprisingly simple process of planting your own aromatic garlic. Incorporating garlic into your home garden isn't just about adding flavor to your meals. It's an exciting gardening challenge that even beginners can master and enjoy. Explore the essential steps, insider tips, and best gardening practices for nurturing your garlic from cloves to full-grown bulbs. With our comprehensive guide on "How Do You Plant Garlic?", you'll have all the knowledge you need to cultivate a robust garlic harvest right in your backyard. Dig into the rich world of garlic gardening, and uncover the rewarding experience of homegrown, fresh-from-the-earth garlic. ```html How Do You Plant Garlic? A Simple Guide to Big, Bold Bulbs

How Do You Plant Garlic? A Simple Guide to Big, Bold Bulbs

Garlic is the easiest crop to grow and yet somehow, people still mess it up. I say that with love—because I was once one of them. But with a little know-how, you’ll never suffer tiny, disappointing bulbs again.

When to Plant Garlic?

The best time to plant garlic is in the fall. Cool weather helps it establish roots before winter, leading to bigger, healthier bulbs in the summer. If you missed fall, early spring planting works too—just temper your expectations.

Picking the Right Garlic

Not all garlic is created equal. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting, so grab some seed garlic from a local nursery or a trusted supplier. Choose between **hardneck** (better flavor, easy peeling) and **softneck** (longer storage, classic braids).

How to Plant Garlic

Break apart the bulb, keeping the papery skins on each clove.

Plant cloves **pointy side up**, 2 inches deep, and 6 inches apart.

Cover with soil, water lightly, and mulch with straw or leaves.

That’s it. Seriously. Garlic practically grows itself.

Taking Care of Your Garlic

Water moderately in spring, but ease up when the leaves start yellowing. If you're growing hardneck, don’t forget to **snap off the scapes**—those curly flower stalks. They’re delicious sautéed, and removing them forces energy into the bulb.

Harvesting and Curing

When the bottom half of the leaves turn brown, it's time. Gently dig up the bulbs (don’t pull!), brush off excess dirt, and let them cure in a warm, dry place for a few weeks. Then, store them in a cool, dark spot—and enjoy homegrown garlic for months.

The secret to great garlic? **Patience.** Plant in the fall, resist the urge to micromanage, and let nature do the heavy lifting.

If you're curious about other homegrown delights, check out my guide on [Related Article Title].

Happy planting—and may your garlic be abundant and bold!

5/12/24 ~ Harvested my garlic I planted in late September! $0.50 locally grown hard neck garlic I got from the Amish market. Not too shabby.

YOU PLANT ONE BULB OF GARLIC N SUDDENLY YOURE THE GARLIC LORD??

WHERED ALL THIS STUFF EVEN COME FROM??

You're supposed to harvest garlic when at least a third of their foliage has turned yellow. As you can see, they're not quite there yet, and I don't exactly know if something bad will happen should I harvest them early. Time to find out!

And by volunteer, I mean I forgot to harvest it, so it's having a second go of it. Turns out goats (and deer) really don't care for garlic. They also don't care for ornamental alliums either, so if you're in an area with a lot of deer pressure, and want a incredibly easy flower, plant some alliums. Or just throw their bulbs on the ground, they'll still grow.

Anyway, these are hardneck garlic, pretty good sized, and still a long way from harvest. You're supposed to harvest them once they're about half brown, which should be in late July for us. If you harvest before that point, the garlic head won't have divided, so you'll have one huge, round clove. Kinda neat, but not what most people are going for.