Growing Garlic is challenging, but is worth the effort

Spring is Approaching fast!

 Things to Consider for Spring

• Germinating Your Own Herb Seeds

• Ordering Potted Herb Plants

• Controlling Garden Pests

• Composting - Using Compost

• Drying and Storing Your Herbs

• Soil Fertility - Soil Testing Your Herb Garden Soil

• How the Changing Weather Will Affect Your Herb Garden

Growing Garlic in your herb garden is rewarding, whether it will be used for making great garlic bread or as one of the medicinal herbs

allium sativum

Plant Type: Hardy Bulb

Growing Zone: Zone 3 - 9, depending on species.

General Planting instructions for Growing Garlic:

• Plant the individual cloves in the spring after the danger of frost or in the fall before the ground freezes. Divide the garlic bulbs into individual cloves and sow in moist but not wet soil. Plant in full-sun, 12 inches apart, in 12 inch rows Consult our gardening zones map for safe planting dates for your area.

• Harvest the herb in about 90 days, when the top turns brown. Hang by the tops or in a mesh bag, in a dark cool location until the bulbs are dry. After the garlic is dry, leave the tops on for braiding, or trim the tops to ½ inch and store the in mesh bags, baskets or ventilated jars.

Research supports the Benefits of Garlic

Herbalists have long claimed garlic as a good germ killer. The allicin in the herb gives it its strong odor while also killing various bacteria and fungi. In fact, it can be used against athlete’s foot. It is also more effective than penicillin against typhus, and works against staph and strep bacteria. Recent research showed that blood clotting could be inhibited by using oils extracted from garlic. Other medical uses of are in question.

The taste of Garlic makes it popular as a culinary herb

Garlic bread, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted garlic are just a few favorites. It is regularly used in flavoring meats, sauces, stews and vegetables. Use the dried garlic to add flavor to soups, roasts, stews and a variety of Italian sauces and dishes. Great in many stir-fry recipes.

Here are some great Garlic Recipes:

Garlic Vinegar:

Heat white vinegar to the boiling point. Add the garlic cloves and let cool. Transfer to jars and let it "perk" for a few days, then discard the garlic.

Use the garlic vinegar in salad dressings and marinades.

Roasted Garlic:

Without detaching the garlic cloves, cut the top half inch from the heads of garlic. Put the head trimmed end up in a small ovenproof dish or pan. Over the cloves of garlic, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil per head. Add a quarter-cup of water or stock to the pan.

Roast in a 500°F (260°C) oven 30 minutes. Individual cloves can also be roasted in their skins. Just omit the water, and roast for 20 minutes, until the cloves are soft to the touch.

Serve with warm bread and a good Chianti!
 

Thomas Kueny – Publisher      http://www.growing-herbs.com