Fall is the time to plant garlic, and a fresh shipment of garlic bulbs has just arrived in stores. Too often we tend to think of a vegetable garden as only something we plant in the spring when we can grow beans, squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc. However, many gardeners are discovering that throughout much of the Pacific Northwest, garlic is an easy crop to grow. While it can often be overlooked, September/October is the ideal planting time.
Garlic has a rich history and is well known for its culinary and medicinal properties. It probably originated in western Asia and has been grown for centuries in India and China, The Egyptians placed it in their tombs. In medieval Europe, it was hung outside doors to deter witches! Today, garlic is used as a seasoning in a wide range of dishes, from salads to curries, stews, cheese spreads, dips, etc. It is also known for medicinal uses and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Garlic is an ideal crop for the fall garden, and it is surprisingly easy to grow. Fortunately for us, it is well suited to most of our region. Select a sunny location and add some garden compost prior to planting. Garlic performs best in a rich, loose and well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential. In most soils, it would also be beneficial to add a low nitrogen fertilizer at time of planting.
Plant the cloves about 1 inch deep and about 4 inches apart, with the pointed end up. Irrigate the area after planting. Usually, fall rains will provide adequate water during the winter months. Garlic can be harvested when the tops turn yellow and fall over, this is usually in early summer.
Like many other crops we grow, we have choices of different cultivars, each with its own characteristics. The new crop of garlic cloves, now in stores, includes the following.
Music
Very popular with home gardeners. It has white to lightly pink skin with some purple striping. A medium hot garlic. ‘Music’ outscored all other garlic in productivity trials at Michigan State University. It has white to lightly pink skin with some purple striping and has a good storage life. Yield will be about four to six times the weight planted, with many bulbs being 2 inches in diameter
Music Hardneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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Inchelium Red
This is often a taste test winner in garlic trials and is a vigorous strain. It has a mild flavor and was discovered on the Colville Indian Reservation in northern Washington. The large bulbs have purple blotching and medium level of spiciness.
Inchelium Red Softneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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Ivan
A Canadian cultivar, ‘Ivan; is often compared to ‘Music’ but the bulbs are slightly larger than ‘Music’ and it is a little spicier. It is a heavy producer, very easy to grow and likes cold weather. It is very popular with many home gardeners.
Ivan Hardneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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California Early
Developed for the California garlic industry and is now probably the most commonly grown garlic in the United States. With its mild flavor, it is a perfect garlic for those that like the garlic taste but prefer it less pungent. For a first time garlic grower, this would be the one to try.
California Early Softneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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Duganski
For just appearances, ‘Duganski’ is hard to beat. The purple wrappers on the bulbs protect the violet-colored cloves on the inside. It has what is often considered a ‘fiery’ flavor and for those looking for something strong, this is it. This garlic stores well, and the curly stalks are sometimes used in floral arrangements.
Duganski Hardneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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Sicilian
This is a large white bulb with a mild flavor that make it a favorite in many kitchens. With a name like ‘Sicilian’, it should be no surprise that is very popular in Mediterranean cuisine dishes.
Sicilian Softneck Variety Garlic, 2 pk
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As with many other plants in the home vegetable garden, tomatoes would be a good example, I always recommend planting more than one cultivar. The same would be true of garlic, plant more than one the above-mentioned cultivars and you may surprise yourself that you can actually taste differences between different types available. The window for planting garlic is now, don’t wait and be disappointed when your choice is sold out! Plant now and enjoy your harvest early next summer.
Garlic in stores while supplies last.
We would love to see your garden growing, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag Wilco Stores.
