Garlic

HOPE & FAITH ABOUND

Planting bulbs in the fall shows we have faith in the unseen and hope for the future. Add to that a good splash of hope in advertising!

Regardless of their size or shape, bulbs are not attractive or very impressive. But they are small mighty miracles!!! From such humble beginnings, we are promised immense spring beauty just at the time we will need it most. We read the catalog descriptions and labels on the bags and dream of what will come — making getting out in the cold and often damp weather to dig holes and get them in their new home worth it – as an investment in our late winter mental health! We will start looking out the window for their beautiful metamorphosis and, the beginning of the gardening season! 🌷

FERTILIZERS & PESTS

I never fertilize my bulbs at planting time. The main reason is that most of the critters who are overly fond of my garden love organic fertilizer. I do not need to encourage them.

Even without any fertilizer around they still are attracted to the site where the bulbs reside. Squirrels were a big problem last year with the bulbs. In one area they dug and tossed out the daffodil bulbs 3 times before I decided to top-dress the area with some diatomaceous earth. Party over! This year I’m using cayenne pepper and some fencing to ward off unwanted visitors.

We have had a bumper crop of acorns this year in our neighborhood, maybe the cute little acorns will keep the cute little squirrels busy.

TOOLS OF CHOICE

AUGER

Around here we love power tools and this one is fabulous. The best tool for planting larger bulbs with little disturbance to the surrounding area. I purchased mine through Amazon. Link. We also have a long auger that we purchased at Lowes.

DIBBLER

Just received this as a surprise from Mr. G and already I am questioning how I have lived without this tool! It was perfect for planting the garlic and other small bulbs! Gets in tight places without disturbing other plants. Link.

SHOVEL

Many of my daffodils are planted in big groups and if there is plenty of space, the shovel works great!

WHAT I’M PLANTING THIS YEAR

THALIA NARCISSUS

Monty Don’s (Gardener’s World UK) ‘Thalia’ daffodils had me drooling through episode after episode this spring. Luckily I was able to find them at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. Take a look here.

Here’s a screenshot from his social media post this spring… Drooling yet?

ICE KING DAFFODILS (Bag from Lowes)

One of my favorites!

PINK MIX (Bag from Lowes)

I love pink and it is always fun to see what we get!

SNOW DROPS (GALANTHUS): Mount Everest

Our local woods are filled with snowdrops that we were able to enjoy more than ever this spring because of the lockdown. Add to that the pictures my daughter sent from England of fields of these beauties — both convincing me I needed some just outside my window. These came from Brent and Becky’s too… Info here.

ALLIUM

I planted alliums for the first time last year and just loved them! So of course I need more. This year I am adding Perian Blue (Lowes} and more Purple Sensation (American Meadows).

GARLIC

Just like last year, I am planting only one variety of garlic – Brown Rose (From the Garlic Store). Yes, the first year it was for the name and now that we have enjoyed it, I am planting it for the flavor! The garlic is in the ground with a good layer of cayenne pepper to make it less attractive to varmints…

FAMILY STORY

Each year we plant daffodils in memory of our beloved Uncle Tony — Mr. G’s brother who passed from us much too soon from a long, gallantly fought battle with cancer. He was an artist and a gardener and he loved daffodils. In one of my last conversations with him, he talked about his daffodils and was excited to see them bloom. He did not get to see them bloom in his garden on earth that year, but I know he was greeted with daffodils and so much more that spring. After he passed, I bundled daffodil bulbs in burlap and passed out for people to plant in his honor. I was grateful that so many were excited to do just that. I hope they remember this special man when they bloom.

FALL FOOD

With being home more and cooking so much more, we are constantly adapting recipes to better suit two people. We love acorn squash and usually just eat it plain. However, I have been seeing all kinds of recipes for stuffed acorn squash and they look so delicious. This week we had our own version. It turned out so well I thought you might like to try it.

COOKING SQUASH:

Cut and remove seeds from squash. Brush with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on roasting pan. I baked my cut side down but you can do either.

Bake at 425 for 20 -25 minutes or until fork-tender.

FILLLING:

1 cup of cooked Trader Joes Harvest Grains Mix

1 teaspoon dried Thyme (a bit more if it is fresh)

1 teaspoon dried Sage

1/3 cup chopped and toasted pistachio nuts

1 T oil or melted butter

Salt and pepper to taste (we used a lot of pepper)

We also sprinkled on some red chili flakes

Mix all ingredients and add the warm filling to baked squash as soon as it comes out of the oven. So simple and delicious. Very filling and good for you too.

If you try it let me know what you think and if you have another simple fall recipe, share that too in the comments below so we can all enjoy!

Whether you’re planting or cooking today… all the very best.

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!