FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO YOU GROW GARLIC?
Garlic grows well in most soils but prefers a free draining loam with plenty of organic matter. Adding compost and crop rotation are recommended. Allow at least two years between successive crops in the allium family (garlic, onions, leeks, chives, etc.).
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Separate or "crack" bulbs just before planting and choose the largest cloves to plant, saving the smaller cloves for culinary purposes. Hard neck garlic needs to be planted pointed side up, 4-8" apart and at least 2" deep. Mulch can be added on top for insulation and weed suppression.
WHEN DO YOU PLANT GARLIC?
Our varieties will grow best in Canada if planted in the fall, about three weeks before the ground freezes.
WHAT ARE GARLIC SCAPES?
Garlic scapes are produced by hardneck garlic varieties as the plant matures. They form a central stalk that grows and makes 1-2 loops and if not harvested, the end will enlarge and form a bulbil.
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They can be cooked like asparagus and can be easily steamed, sauteed or roasted. See the recipe section for additional options. The flavour is a blend of garlic, scallion and onion. Make sure they are harvested when young and tender for the best results.
HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR GROWING GARLIC?
Overwatering shortens the life of the bulbs and makes the garlic harder to cure. Stop watering two to three weeks after cutting the scapes.
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To determine when garlic is ready for harvest, inspect a few bulbs, and make sure you can feel the cloves through the skins and the skins have not started to break down.Be careful as garlic bruises easily and do not leave harvested garlic in the sun as it can burn and change the flavour.
HOW DO YOU CURE AND STORE GARLIC?
Energy from the leaves goes into the garlic during curing. It is also recommended to leave the roots on. Hang them in bunches of 4-6 in a well-ventilated area that is out of direct sunlight.
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When the wrappers are dry, select your largest and most healthy seed garlic bulbs for replanting. Trim the leaves and roots, making sure not to cut the tops of the cloves. Place bulbs in clean mesh bags or ventilated boxes. Never store garlic in the fridge as this will trigger it to sprout.
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A temperature of 15-18 degrees Celsius will allow storage for 6-8 months or longer.