In July I harvested my first home-grown garlic. It was so fun! We are lovin’ adding “our” garlic to recipes. And, I suspect we are safe from vampires … at least for the present time.

I purchased the bulbs from a local nursery. I can’t find the label so I don’t know what variety we have and I hate that because I LOVE knowing the names of my plants. Regardless, I can tell you that now that I have grown my own garlic & have begun to learn about the different varieties of garlic, it will be hard to settle for buying garlic from the grocery store.

This fall I am planting cloves from one of my hardiest “no name” bulbs (Advice from my friend at CowlickCottage.com. Visit her beautiful blog for recipes, information and gardening inspiration.) and Hardneck / Rocambole and Morado Gigante — purchased from The Garlic Store.

PLANTING

• Early October
• Loosen and amend soil to 12 inches
• Plant individual cloves 2 – 4” deep; 6” apart.
• Plant pointy tip facing up!

HARVEST

• In mid July when lower leaves have turned brown but about half of top leaves are still green.
• Dig don’t pull!
• With your hands brush away excess dirt (Don’t wash!)

CURING

• Lay heads on screening or hang to dry for 6 – 8  weeks (more if the season is humid) in a dark, dry area.
• Once cured, cut the stalks down to an inch above the bulbs and trim the roots.
• Again, do NOT wash.

STORAGE

• Store the cured head in net bags in a cool, dry spot.
  (Ideal temperature range is 35 – 50 degrees).
• Will last for approximately 4 months.

Fun and delicious … a great return on effort and time spent! Since most everyone loves garlic, it is a great “from-the-garden” gift to share! I wrapped a bulb in pretty paper today and gave as a gift. It was very well received!

I still have a lot to learn about growing garlic, so if  you have any advice, please share!