How do you grow garlic?

Garlic normally grows in a Mediterranean climate, but can also be grown in cooler climates. Choose a spot in the garden where the soil is not too moist and there is a lot of sun. Plant the cloves apart from each other, pointing upwards and about an inch below the surface. The cloves should be planted about 10 centimeters apart, in rows with a distance of about 45 centimeters.

When do you grow garlic?

The best time to plant garlic in Europe is early spring or late autumn or early winter. While it's not an exact science to know when to pick garlic, a good rule of thumb is to harvest your garlic when half of the leaves around the base of the bulb are green and the other half are turning brown and dying. After harvesting, take your garlic inside right away, brush off the dirt, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Different types of garlic

More than 300 varieties of garlic are grown worldwide. The American garlic, with its white, papery skin and strong flavor, is one of the most common varieties. Italian and Mexican garlic, with pink or purple hued skin, are slightly milder in flavor. Another interesting fact is that garlic - a member of the lily family and cousin to the onion, leek, chives and shallot - has an amazing array of nutritional and medicinal uses. So grab a bulb and enjoy nature's oldest superfood: garlic!