Glorious Garlic

Now is the time to think on and get prepared to plant this years garlic. By planting garlic in mid winter, you can be sure to have a wonderful harvest for next summer. Garlic is a firm family favourite throughout kitchens across the UK. So why not try growing your own and enjoy the intense flavour and freshness first hand.

The best month to plant garlic is November so get prepared now, add a reminder to your calendar, stock up on the equipment you may need and consider where you will purchase your bulbs.

Try and source your bulbs from local merchants or garden centres, this way you can ensure you find a variety to suit the local climate and weather conditions.

When the time to plant your garlic arrives, you will need to start the process by carefully breaking the bulb into individual cloves. Set aside any damaged or bruised cloves as these will not grow successfully and could simply rot away.
If you live in a mild climate you will be able to plant the cloves directly into your garden. Create an impression in the soil and add the cloves, making sure you leave the tips pocking out of the soil and then water lightly.

If you live in a cooler climate you should start the garlic growing process in a warmer environment to start with. Add the cloves to a divided seed tray and water well. Move the tray to a greenhouse or coldframe for the first few months to allow the plants to become establishes. The cloves will be ready to plant out into your garden around March or April time.

A general rule to consider when deciding whether your garlic is ready to harvest, is to lift the bulbs once half the leaves are green and the other half are brown or dying off. Only lift one bulb initially and study the size and quality before harvesting all the plants. Once harvested hang your garlic to dry.