Garlic is one of the easiest and most reliable crops for our coastal Edinburgh conditions. It fits perfectly into a no-dig system and requires very little maintenance once established. We grow mainly autumn-planted varieties for larger bulbs and early summer harvests.

Planting

Plant garlic cloves individually, root plate down and pointed end up, spacing them about 10–15 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart. Autumn planting (October–November) generally produces the best results in our conditions, though some varieties can be planted in early spring.

Growing

Garlic prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. In our no-dig beds we simply top-dress with compost each winter. Keep the area weed-free and water during prolonged dry spells in spring. Remove any flower stalks (scapes) on hardneck varieties to encourage good bulb development.

Harvesting

Garlic is usually ready from late June to July when the lower leaves begin to yellow but several green leaves remain. Lift bulbs carefully with a fork and allow them to dry in an airy, sheltered place for two to three weeks before storing.

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Cook it Yourself

We regularly use fresh garlic in a wide range of seasonal dishes. As more recipes are added to the site they will appear here automatically.