We have an abundant supply of garlic in stock! It is a wonderful crop that is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It is easy to grow and requires very little space in the garden. Garlic is also a natural pest repellent!

PLANTING

• Best time to plant garlic is in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before first expected frost date.

• Plant in a spot that has not recently been used for garlic or other plants from the onion family.

• Plant in a sunny spot with well drained soil.

• Work several inches of compost or manure and fertilizer into the bed.

• Break apart cloves from bulb a few days before planting, keep the papery husk on each individual clove.

• Space the cloves 4-6" apart. Rows should be spaced one foot apart. The cloves should be planted with the pointed end up and the blunt end down. Push each clove 1-2" into the ground, firm the soil around it, and water the bed if it is dry.

• After planting, lay down a protective mulch of straw. The mulch should be approximately 4 inches thick. Mulch will help prevent the garlic roots from being lifted out of the ground by freezing and thawing.

Spring Care

• Mulch should be removed in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.

• In the spring, as warmer temperatures come, shoots will emerge through the ground.

• When the leaves begin to grow, it is important to feed the garlic plants to encourage good growth. Gently work in Osmocote into the soil near each plant.

• Cut off any flower shoots that emerge in spring to encourage bulb growth.

• Keep well weeded. Garlic doesn’t do well with competition.

• Water every 3 to 5 days during bulbing (mid-May through June).

• Fertilize again just before the bulbs begin to swell usually early May.

• By June remove any remaining mulch and stop watering. The garlic will store better if you allow the soil around the bulbs to dry out.

HARVESTING

• Harvest garlic when most of the leaves have turned brown. This usually occurs in mid-July to early August.

• Dig up bulbs (don't pull), being careful not to bruise them. If the bulbs are left in the ground too long, they may separate and will not store well.

• Lay the garlic plants out to dry for 2 or 3 weeks in a shady, dry spot for two weeks.

• Do not get the bulbs wet or break them apart, or the plants won't last as long.

STORAGE

• The bulbs are cured and ready to store when the wrappers are dry and papery and the roots are dry.

• Either tie the garlic in bunches (4 to 6), braid the leaves, or cut the stem a few inches above the bulb. Hang the braids and bunches or store the loose bulbs on screens or slatted shelves in a cool, airy location. You may want to set aside some of the largest bulbs for replanting in the fall.

• During the winter months check your stored garlic bulbs often, and promptly use any that show signs of sprouting.