Garlic is a cornerstone of flavor in cuisines around the world, and growing your own garlic means you’ll have a fresh supply right at your fingertips. Garlic gardening is not only about harvesting a key kitchen staple; it’s also about enjoying the process and the satisfaction of growing something so valuable from just a small clove.

Choosing and Planting Your Garlic

Selecting the right garlic to plant is crucial. There are two main types: softneck, which is common in warmer climates and stores well, and hardneck, which offers a variety of flavors and is better for colder climates. To plant garlic, break up the bulbs into individual cloves and plant them pointy-end up about two inches deep and six inches apart. Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.

Caring for Your Garlic Plants

Garlic doesn’t require much fuss once it’s in the ground. Ensure it gets an inch of water each week during the growing season, but you can cut back once the leaves begin to brown. A light layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. As your garlic grows, watch for scapes, which are the curly shoots that appear on hardneck varieties. Snip these off to direct the plant’s energy into bulb growth.

Harvesting and Curing Your Garlic

You’ll know it’s time to harvest when several of the lower leaves go brown, but five or six up top are still green. Gently lift the bulbs with a fork and brush off the dirt. Cure your garlic in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks until the skins are papery. After that, you can store them in a cool, dry place for several months.

Enjoy the rich flavors of your home-grown garlic in your cooking, and take pride in the fact that you’ve produced something truly special from the earth.