Garlic

Garlic is a cool-weather perennial plant commonly planted in the cool of autumn or early spring. Garlic–which is sometimes classified as an herb–is grown from cloves selected from medium to large bulbs, called heads, harvested the season before. You can plant cloves from garlic heads purchased at a grocery store or farm market as long…

Garlic is grown from cloves formed in bulbs. Cloves used to start new plants are called “seed cloves”. Seed clove size is important to yield. The yield of a large clove is usually greater than a medium-sized clove, which, in turn, is usually greater than a small-size clove. The largest cloves commonly produce the largest…

Softneck garlic is the variety most home gardeners choose—and for good reason. It’s adaptable, stores for months, and produces plenty of cloves. After growing garlic for over 30 years in both warm and mild climates, I’ve found that softneck types consistently deliver reliable harvests, even when winters are mild. Here’s a closer look at some…

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, but like any garden plant, it’s not immune to pests and diseases. Over more than 30 years of growing garlic in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve dealt with my fair share of problems—and learned natural solutions that work without harsh chemicals. Here’s a guide…

Garlic is a kitchen essential, but not all garlic is the same. Freshly harvested bulbs bring a mild, juicy flavor, while cured and stored garlic offers the sharp, concentrated taste most cooks expect. As someone who has grown and cooked with garlic for more than 30 years, I’ve learned that the choice between fresh and…