Garlic Bulb Types - FineGardening

I’ve just knocked down the garlic (Allium sativum) in my Northern California garden. The leaves were over 60% brown, and now it’s time for them to cure for a few weeks before I store them. I planted only heirloom garlic varieties this year. I’m smitten with their differences and can’t wait to use them in the kitchen.

I planted both softneck and hardneck garlic bulbs. The softnecks are the type you’ll generally find in the produce aisle of the grocery store. They’re best planted in zones where the winters are mild, as they aren’t particularly cold hardy. Softneck garlic has a spicier flavor than the hardneck types. Their leaves are especially nice if you like to braid your bulbs for storing.

The hardneck garlic varieties grow well in cold climates. This type of garlic has a central stem that’s firm and stiff, and the garlic cloves grow as a single ring around that stem. Hardnecks have a scape that curls into a coil at the top of the stalk as it matures. The scapes are delicious.

The last type of garlic is elephant garlic, and isn’t really a garlic at all. It’s botanical name is Allium ampeloprasum, and it’s closer to a leek than a garlic botanically speaking. While it may not be the real McCoy, it does offer the same flavor as its authentic cousins and is used the same way in the kitchen. Elephant garlic produces four to six large cloves that are milder in flavor than true garlic.

Tip: If you find yourself face to face with a vampire (and you certainly don’t want to be), all garlic works equally well in this situation.

Get more info on garlic: • Video: How to Plant and Grow Garlic • Garlic as an Herbal Medicine • Making the Most of Garlic • Using Baby Garlic (Green Garlic) • Garlic Scapes • Celebrate National Garlic Month • Cheap and Easy Winter Greens • Plant Garlic as a Fall Crop

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil. Buy at Amazon

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable. Buy at Amazon

Chapin International 10509 Upside-Down Trigger Sprayer

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

CLEAN & DISINFECT: made to handle disinfectants and mild bleach solutions. DESIGNED TO CLEAN: adjustable nozzle for fine to coarse spray. 32-OUNCE TANK: translucent, chemical-resistant poly. COMFORT: ergonomic handle and sprays upside down to reach awkward areas. Buy at Amazon