Ever wondered how garlic is grown? Surprisingly, it’s an easy plant to grow and is a welcome addition to any home garden. Whether you’re just curious about garlic’s origins or you’re looking to play in the dirt and grow your own garlic at home, here is some background on how this tasty vegetable comes to be.
Garlic is grown annually and is a bulbous perennial. You can grow garlic from seeds, but a better way to start your garlic crop is to plant mature cloves of garlic. This method usually produces larger, more flavorful garlic plants. You should plant cloves from garlic plants purchased at your local nursery, not the ones you purchase at the store.
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic is a great option if you live in a colder climate, as they actually thrive in the cold winter months. Softneck garlic prefers a warmer climate. Whichever type you prefer, the best time to plant is in spring and harvest can range from September to November, depending on the zone you live in and the type of garlic.
When garlic is harvested, the bulbs should first air out and dry. Once they’re ready, you can braid together the leaves, if it’s softneck, and hang them up, or store your hardneck garlic in a cool, dry place that allows airflow. When properly stored, fresh garlic can last for months!
Garlic is a staple of any kitchen, and hopefully we’ve shown you just how easy it can be to grow your own. Happy planting!
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