Garlic

Freshly harvested garlic is one of the most rewarding crops for home gardeners. But after all the work of planting, tending, and curing, the next step is crucial: storing and preserving your garlic properly so you can enjoy it year-round. I’ve been growing and storing garlic for more than 30 years in California’s Central Valley…

Curing garlic is an essential step to ensure your harvest lasts for months without losing flavor or texture. After decades of growing garlic in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve refined a simple, effective curing process that consistently produces bulbs that store well. Why Cure Garlic? 🌱 Gardener’s tip: Softneck garlic generally stores longer…

Harvesting garlic at the right time is critical for flavor, bulb size, and storage longevity. Too early, and bulbs are small and underdeveloped; too late, and cloves may split or rot. After decades of growing garlic in Sonoma Valley and California’s Central Valley, I’ve developed reliable ways to determine the perfect harvest time. Key Signs…

Garlic (Allium sativum) is not only a flavorful staple in the kitchen but also a powerful companion plant in the garden. Over my 30+ years of gardening, I’ve seen garlic protect neighboring plants from pests, boost growth, and even improve flavor in some cases. In this guide, I’ll share plants that thrive with garlic, ones…

Growing garlic successfully requires attention throughout its life cycle. From fall planting to summer harvest, proper care ensures large, healthy, flavorful bulbs. With over 30 years of experience growing garlic in California’s Central Valley and Sonoma Valley, I’ve distilled the most important steps to guarantee a successful crop. Garlic Care Overview Key aspects of garlic…