Consider planting garlic this Fall

Garlic takes a small space in the garden but adds a lot of flavor to food. Garlic (Allium sativum) is related to onions, shallots, leeks and chives. It is originally from central Asia but is now grown all over the world. Many cultures have used garlic for thousands of years as food seasoning and for folk remedies. Garlic produces a compound called allicin, which gives it it's classic scent and health benefits. Allicin and the products that the body breaks it into during digestion are antioxidants that decrease inflammation and help fight disease-causing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Variety Selection Garlic has flat leaves. The head of garlic is made up of cloves enclosed in a paper-like covering. Each clove is actually a bulb, which is a collection of unexpanded leaves. Garlic is a perennial plant and comes back each year, but typically it is harvested each year so is grown as an annual instead. There are two subspecies of garlic: hardneck (subspecies ophioscorodon) and softneck (subspecies sativum). Hardneck garlic produces a woody flower stalk, called a scape, and 4-12 cloves in a single circle around the stalk. Hardneck varieties grow well in places like northwest Ohio, where winters are long and the growing season is relatively short. Common hardneck varieties grown in Ohio include "Music," "Georgian Fire," and "Georgia Crystal." Softneck varieties typically produce 14-20 cloves per head. Common softneck varieties in Ohio include "Broadleaf Czech," "Italian Late," and "Red Toch." Garlic from the grocery store typically will not grow well in the home garden. Planting Garlic is typically planted in October or November. It prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic material, and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It is best to plant garlic in an area with full sun where no garlic or onions have grown for the past 1-2 years. Select the largest, healthiest cloves for planting and carefully break them off of the bulb. Plant the cloves 2 inches deep and 4-5 inches apart with the pointy tip facing up. The garden bed should be weeded during its growing season. Scapes produced by hardneck garlic in late spring should be removed to direct the plant's energy into growing bigger bulbs. Harvesting The leafy tops of garlic will begin to dry in the mid-summer. Once the bottom four leaves have dried, a trowel can be used to help lift the bulbs carefully from the soil. They should be hung out of the direct sun to "cure" for 2-3 weeks. The garlic is cured when the skin becomes papery. Garlic spoils more quickly when bruised, so handle it carefully. The tops and roots can be cut off one inch from the bulb for storage. The stalks of softneck varieties can be braided together for hanging and storage. Meal Preparations Garlic cloves are best eaten when they are firm and not dehydrated or sprouting. Sprouted garlic cloves are less fresh but are safe to eat. Garlic can be eaten raw or cooked. Pull individual cloves off of the bulb. Lay the clove on a cutting board and press firmly on it with the flat side of a knife to crush it, being careful not to cut yourself. Crushing garlic releases allicin and allows the skin to easily be removed from the clove. Garlic can be enjoyed raw or roasted. Storage Garlic bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. The best storage temperature is 32-38oF at less than 70% humidity. Garlic sprouts quickly in the refrigerator due to the high humidity. Hardneck garlic can be stored for up to 6 months and softneck for up to 9 months. Garlic can also be stored for up to a year in the freezer, either as whole cloves or finely chopped. Garlic should be tightly wrapped in the freezer, so the aroma doesn't penetrate other frozen foods. Summary Garlic is an easy to grow, satisfying, and delicious garden vegetable. With a little effort in the fall, homegrown garlic can be enjoyed all year long. More information on garlic may be found at: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1627 and https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/garlic-allium-sativum. Jennifer Merrill is an Ohio State University Extension Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteer. Find them on Facebook at "Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers."