by Denise Calaman

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: November 02, 2010

Garlic is a popular herb used in many different types of cuisines worldwide. With its heavy, pungent aroma just one clove of garlic will add a lot of flavor to many different dishes. Because of garlic's hardiness and versitility it is easy to grow and it can be grown almost anywhere in the continental United States. It is commonly planted in the autumn in time to establish a good root system before the cold winter weather sets in.

Garlic grows well in almost any type of soil althougth clay or loamy soil may restrict  bulb growth giving bulbs a stronger flavor. Garlic loves to be watered, keeping its roots moist, but not overly so. Overwatering might cause root rot. There are fungicides that some gardeners choose to use around their garlic plants while other gardeners rely on good planting locations and techniques.

 Planting and Nurturing-

In early autumn garlic should be planted in rows 24 to 36 inches apart with six inches between individual cloves. Garlic is quick to take root. Shoots will appear immediately after planting. Garlic doesn't mind the cold and will remain comfortable in the ground at temperatures as low as 0 degrees successfully overwintering in most areas. In the early spring garlic shoots will grow into big stalks. No care needs to be given except for regular watering and weeding.  Because of its strong odor garlic is a natural insecticide so no pesticides need to be used in garlic beds.  Once the stalks start to brown and die off completely around mid-summer garlic is ready to be harvested. More experienced gardeners will cut their garlic stalks off, mid spring while they are still green. The advantage of this is it grows bigger bulbs. The green stalks may then be used for salads or as seasoning for other dishes.

Garlic will do well when planted with vegetables like tomatoes and peppers or herbs like basil and oregano. Garlic makes a wonderful addition to an Italian herb garden. Neighboring vegetables planted near garlic and other herbs will reap the benefits of remaining pest free.

 Curing-

Once garlic is ready to be harvested carefully dig up each bulb and dry them before storing. This is called curing. Curing garlic is easy. Garlic may be cured in an airy location; one that is not too hot or humid as this will cause the garlic to shrivel. Once the stems are completely dry (they will have the consistency of onion skins), the stalks may be cut off of the garlic bulbs. The bulbs then may be stored in a cool,

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