Wednesday 20 March 2013

GARLIC

Today is the March equinox, where the time of day and night are equal. So this means today is the day to plant your garlic if you are experiencing Autumn (fall)! I like to plant around 75 cloves so I have enough to last me the year and to replant for the next season! Sounds like a lot and it is but have you ever bought organic garlic especially when it is out of season at least $40 a kilo and I have paid around $7 for 2 average sized bulbs, they only last me a week or so. Garlic is a staple in my kitchen it is used in just about everything to add a great hit of flavour!


When I started growing garlic (last year was my first season) I bought organic garlic and I encourage you to do this too. The reasoning behind this is that on organic garlic they are not allowed to spray or radiate the bulbs to discourage sprouting. They do this on conventional crops so they get a longer shelf life and that when they are being transported overseas or long distance they don't need to refrigerate or worry about the garlic sprouting (along with other sprouting vegetables like onion and potatoes). Choose bulbs that are large in size as this result in your bulbs being of a good size as well! Happy gardening!


6 comments:

  1. I would love to set my garlic now, but here in denmark the ground is frosen solid still, but I will do it as soon as spring is here :o)
    Vibeke

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    1. I'm lucky we don;t have that problem in Australia! We have just come out of summer and our winters aren't that harsh! We usually have a low of (give or take) 10 degrees celsius. Happy gardening!

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  2. I've been growing garlic from the same stock now for 3 years (This will be the 4th). Its probably the most sucessful food plant I've grown. Its amazing how long it keeps for too. I'll be planting mine this weekend.

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    1. That's great! Mine are still as fresh as the day I plucked them from the ground! Hopefully I have enough to last until November when I get to harvest again!

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  3. I've just got my first lot in. I think a little later than some recommend? But here in the UK the weather has been too harsh to garden!

    Do you have any advise for first time allotment keeper?

    http://seedling2013.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I'm not 100% sure when you should plant them in the UK as it's a very different climate than that of Australia (Melbourne). I learnt a lot from Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden, I think she does a version for the UK. Grow only what you love to eat, keep to the seasons. If you struggle with seeds buy seedlings and heirloom is best. I like to successive plant so you don't have to pick a crop all at once but stagger the produce. Compost and worm tea do wonders for the the garden. Mulch is the best thing I did as it nourishes the soil and doesn't allow the soil to dry out, I use a mixture of leaves and spent hay from the chicken shed. And most of all don't allow the beds to dry out. Happy gardening and I hope that helps you in a successful garden :D

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