Planting
Loosen soil and add compost and a little soil sulfur to neutralize ph. Wait to separate cloves the day of planting. Plant 4-6 weeks before hard frost (about mid October). Plant cloves pointed side up 2-3 inches below soil surface. 5-8 inches apart. Smooth surface soil and add 2-4 inches of mulch. Keep moist but not wet. To ensure good bulb size, remove scape as it begins to curl in summer.
A variety of Garlic bulbs arrive end of September for your Fall planting.
Harvest, Curing, and Storage
When plant has 3-5 mostly green leaves at the top of the plant with the rest dried out it is time to harvest. Dig bulbs, remove excess soil, and immediately move to a cool shaded area. Do not bruise or sunburn bulbs. To cure bulbs hang them, with roots intact, in a well ventilated shaded place for 3-5 weeks. Bulbs are cured when you can cut stem an inch above bulb with no moisture. Cut roots to a ¼ inch and clean bulb. Store bulbs at room temperature with about 60% humidity. Do not put in a plastic bag or in the refrigerator. Consume delicious garlic beginning with varieties that have the lesser shelf life.