How I plant garlic

Now is the time of the year to plant garlic before the ground freezes.

To prepare the ground:

1. Map out the area to be planted. Cloves should be 4 to 6 inches apart and 6 inches between rows.

2. Remove all weeds, smooth the area. I avoid any deep soil disturbance. Only the first inch or two.

3. Add amendments: I use a blend of equal parts feather meal, kelp meal, alfalfa meal or a good organic fertilizer. Cover the area with 2-4 inches of compost. Smooth the area. Do not mix the compost with the soil.

4. Prepare the garlic cloves. They need to be the largest you can find it get the largest garlic.

5. I use a dibble stick to make holes in the compost. 4 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Plant the cloves pointed end up. Cover and walk over the rows to seat the cloves with good soil contact. Cover the a layer of seed free straw.

You should see growth by spring. Keep them weed free. Add more amendments in the spring.  They are harvested in mid July.