Plant Profile: Allium sativum

Garlic, a member of the onion family, originates from Asia and is well-known for its edible bulbs, making it a favored choice for vegetable gardens. It is also resilient against deer and black walnut trees.

In North Carolina, cloves should be planted from late October to November, and possibly into December in the southern regions, aiming for a harvest between May and June. To ensure proper establishment before the ground freezes, garlic requires a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. When planting, space the cloves 6 to 8 inches apart and bury them 2 to 3 inches deep. They thrive in loose, fertile, well-drained soil with full sunlight, and applying mulch can help reduce weed growth. To avoid bulb rot, reduce watering as the harvest approaches. If a flower stem, known as a scape, appears, it should be removed; it is edible both raw and cooked.

Garlic is ready for harvest when approximately half of its leaves have turned brown. After digging, the bulbs need to cure in a warm, dry location away from direct sunlight. Once the leaves are fully dried, you can trim off the leaves, roots, and outer layers, then store the bulbs in a cool, dry place—refrigeration is not recommended.