Hi everyone!
source
Did you know that garlic is called the “stinking rose” but no one really knows how it got that name! It’s really closer to a lily than a rose so it’s very puzzling. Who knows how these things start. Anyhoo, in late October I planted some garlic cloves which I purchased through Burpee.
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Garlic grows best in fertile well drained soil that’s got lots of compost mixed in. I think it’s perfect for a raised bed. Which is of course where I planted some of those cloves. There are hard-neck and soft-neck varieties. Silver Rose (the kind I planted) is a soft-neck and supposedly better for warm weather locales.
See mine are sprouting up quite nicely! I’m hoping to have enough that I don’t have buy any this year. It should be about ready to harvest in July/August.
source: Sunset.com
You can also grow garlic in containers for those of you that prefer container gardening or don’t have a lot of outdoor space. How to grow garlic in pots
Something to be aware of…If you buy garlic in the grocery store, be sure you’re buying garlic grown in America. Chinese garlic is not something you’d want to eat after you know how they grow it, spray it and transport it Risks Associated with Chinese Garlic.
It would be so cool to grow enough garlic to make one of these one day!
source: google images
Garlic does best if planted in fall (it needs to go through a cold period to sprout) but check with your local extension office to see if you can still plant or just give it a try. I often plant things when I’m technically “not supposed to” and they do just fine.
If not put it on your to do list for fall. Like most homegrown things, store bought garlic can’t compare!
Linking to: Farmgirl Friday
I love love love garlic! We have not had luck growing garlic here in Coastal North Carolina but I am thinking of trying again next fall. You certainly have inspired me!
Very interesting, I have never grown garlic, but maybe I should.
Hugs, Cindy
Thanks for sharing lots of good info..
I like garlic in small amounts – not enough to grow my own.
Have a great weekend.
Glenda
I have to try garlic this year. We love it!
I never manage to get the garlic planted in the fall. It does okay for me when planted in the spring. The heads are just a bit smaller.
I told myself I would plant garden last fall but never got around to it. I live in Northern GA and its just NOW starting to get cold so maybe I can get away with it! Maybe. I’ll have to give it a try.
The garlic wreath is sweet. Sounds as if a crop of garlic is fairly labor intensive.
I love garlic too. I grew alot of it last season and had so much fun braiding it and giving it away to friends. I planted several new varieties last fall and am hoping for a bumper crop. Your garlic looks great already. Your garlic wreath image is so pretty. What a nice kitchen gift that would make.
I am totally drinking in your posts on urban gardening. We are going from county living at it’s finest to homeowners association, but I fully intend to go a little gardening. I love fresh garlic and appreciate the info on growing it. I hope that you will get to make a wreath… it is gorgeous!
Great post Manuela, thanks for the information!
PS. really glad to see you back and posting. I always enjoy your blog!
I was surprised by the long time before it will be ready to be harvested, then I realized that it must be dormant during the winter. Is that right?
We’ve had such a mild winter, I wonder if I could still plant some? hmmm…
Can’t wait to hear how it turns out! I wonder if I could still plant some here on the southside of Hotlanta. 😉
I am getting wood from my in-laws to build my raised beds – yahoo. I don’t have a ton of sun where we are now but I know I can find a little space.
Hi Manuela,
Mine is about as tall as yours is now too. I also hope to have enough harvested this fall to not have to buy any from the store, and enough left over to plant the next batch.
A garlic wreath!! ha!! makes me think of vampires 😉 .We love garlic. A friend showed me a youtube video about how to peal a whole head in ten seconds here: http://vimeo.com/29605182 You hit the head hard with your hand and then
you put it in a stainless steel bowl (or whatever) and then cover it with an inverted stainless steel bowl so it is like an “O” and shake for ten seconds.
Thank you so much for posting this info and the pics Manuela! Growing garlic is on my to~try list and seeing you do it is so encouraging! I think I’ll plant some this week (we can plant it year round out where I live due to very mild winters). Also, GREAT point regarding the imported garlic! Can’t wait to see your garlic braid!
Love,
Tracey
x0x
You know I am jealous of your gardening mojo! But I had no idea about the Chinese garlic – thanks for the heads up! Have a great weekend …
I’m so glad to find your blog again. For some reason, for the past few months I have not been able to access it. Happy to be back. Hope you have a great 2012 and that whatever was going is over and you can enjoy!
Your blog always makes me happy. I live in GA too and love finding bloggers to follow here!
I had no idea that garlic is so easy to grow! Thanks for the tips.
blessings,
karianne
I think that wreath looks pretty, and as a special bonus, it might keep unwanted guests away from the door!