Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops you can grow at home. It requires very little space, is naturally pest-resistant, and stores for months after harvest. Planting in autumn gives the cloves a head start before winter.
Separate a garlic bulb into individual cloves just before planting, leaving the papery skin intact. Plant each clove pointed-end-up about 5 cm deep and 15 cm apart in well-drained soil enriched with compost.
Garlic prefers a sunny position and consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogged soil which can cause rot. A layer of mulch helps suppress weeds and protect the cloves through cold winter months.
Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to droop, usually in early to mid summer. Gently lift the bulbs with a fork rather than pulling by the stem to avoid damage.
Cure your garlic by hanging it in a dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight for two to three weeks. Once fully dry, trim the roots and stems and store in a cool, dark place for months of homegrown flavor.