Growing Tips

Garlic has a small, shallow root system, so keep yours well watered in spring, especially in May and June when the cloves are developing. Then stop watering in July to allow the foliage to die back before harvest. Garlic's small root system also gives it a tough time competing with weeds, so keep it mulched throughout the growing season and pull out any weeds as they pop up.

For best harvests, feed your garlic a balanced, supplemental fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-spring.

 

Garlic scapes, or flower stalks,
are edible and delicious if
harvested before the blooms open.

If your garlic starts to bloom, remove the scapes before the buds have a chance to open. This makes the plant put more energy into the clove (so you have better harvests). Plus, the scapes have a mild garlic flavor. Saute them in a little butter or olive oil for a taste of what's to come.