Garlic is one herb that should be planted in the fall for harvest next summer. Plant the cloves in mid October so that the roots will become established before the ground freezes. Garlic likes a loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Obtain your first garlic bulbs from a reliable source. Break the bulb apart into individual cloves [1], and push each clove, pointed end up, about one inch into the soil. Space the cloves 4-6 inches apart. Water the cloves and lay down a protective mulch of loose leaves or straw.

In the spring apply a light application of fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Keep the plants weeded, well watered, and mulched. If a flower stalk appears [2], remove it so that the plant’s energy will go into forming a large bulb. After the summer solstice the bulbs will start to enlarge. Remove the mulch and allow the soil to dry out. When most of the leaves have turned brown, gently dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a shady area with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks. Cut the tops off and store the bulbs in a cool location. And be sure to save a few bulbs to plant for next season’s crop.