Garlic is one crop that grows well in the sandy growing conditions of the Highlands region. It’s unique in that it’s a bulb that is planted in autumn and harvested nine months later. Choose hard-necked varieties such as “Music” that do well in our temperate climate. Read more…
Growing Garlic
Buy bulbs of garlic from a local and trusted grower. Plant bulbs in your garden in late October or early November before snow fall. Amend your soil with compost or other organic fertilizer. Plant your bulbs 4-6 inches apart and a good 4 inches deep. Too shallow and the frost will heave them out of the ground and too deep and they will expend too much energy trying to reach the surface. Separate a clove from the bulb and place it pointed end up in the hole. Cover it over with earth and then cover with 4-6 inches of light mulch.
Garlic can be planted in rows (run North to South) or in amongst a flower garden where it looks quite attractive. It is a companion to roses, carrots, lettuce, beets and cabbage but not onions, peas or beans.
Leave the mulch in place in the following spring and throughout the summer. The mulch will retain moisture and repress weeds. Water well every week, if there isn’t sufficient rain. After June 21st, the scape should appear. When it forms one curl, cut it off to retain vigour in the bulb. You can use the scapes raw or cooked in salads and other recipes where mild garlic flavour would be desired.
Pull up the garlic in August when three or so outer leaves turn brown. Tie in loose bunches and hang in a shady, breezy, dry place to dry. When dry after a week or so rub off the dirt and outer layer of paper skin with your hands. Snip off the stem about 3 inches above the bulb. Store the bulbs in a dark dry place by hanging them in an old onion bag.
