How to Plant Garlic
Did you know that garlic reduces cholesterol, is a fungicide and antibacterial? The Roman armies used to carry raw garlic when they marched to keep their soldiers healthy.
I plant garlic in and around my roses for the same reason.
Plant garlic after the first frost. Why? Because you don't want any top growth before winter sets in. This will make the plant weak.
You cannot use store bought garlic heads because it has been sprayed with a growth retardant. Purchase your garlic from a seed catalogue, from the web or your local garden center.
Break apart the head into cloves. Do not remove the paper outer covering like you do in cooking. Plant the clove, point end up, root side down 2 inches deep in the soil. Cover. If you have compost or a bag of compost, top dress. Water and relax. The roots will grow out during the winter and the plant itself will push up in the spring after frost.
Harvest after leaves are 1/3 to 2/3 brown. If you wait until the plant is totally brown the bulbs will be inedible. Dig with a fork like potatoes or onions. Let the skins dry before storage.
Garlic is a member of the Allium family...as are lillies, onions, chives and society garlic. All look good in the garden!
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