Ukrainian Red Garlic

Allium sativum 

Hard

 2"- 4"

 6"-12" apart

Garlic shoots exhibit resilience, withstanding air temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without harm. However, it's important to note that when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a risk of shoot dieback and suboptimal bulb development. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain a protective layer of mulch until temperatures consistently rise to more favorable levels.

Ukrainian Red garlic is a favorite among chefs and home cooks for its ability to elevate a wide range of dishes. It shines in both raw and cooked preparations. When used raw, it adds a powerful garlic punch to salsas, salad dressings, and dips. In cooked dishes, its flavor becomes milder and more nuanced, making it suitable for soups, stews, sautés, and roasted meats.

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How To Grow Garlic:

 Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic

Variety: There are two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic produces scapes (curly flower stalks) and has larger cloves, while softneck garlic stores longer and is often found in grocery stores. Choose varieties that grow well in your climate.

Cloves: Select large, healthy cloves from a fresh garlic bulb. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.

Step 2: Timing is Everything

Fall Planting (Ideal): Plant garlic cloves in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This allows them to develop strong roots before winter.

Spring Planting: If you miss the fall window, you can plant in early spring, but fall planting generally yields bigger bulbs.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Garlic doesn't like to sit in water.

Soil Quality: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).

Step 4: Plant the Cloves

Separate: Gently separate the cloves from the bulb.

Planting Depth: Plant cloves 2-4 inches deep, pointy end up.

Spacing: Space cloves apart per their respective varieties, this will be in the instructions.

Step 5: Mulch and Water

Mulch: After planting, apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (straw, leaves, or shredded bark) to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the cloves from freezing temperatures.

Water: Water the garlic regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.

Step 6: Ongoing Care

Weed Control: Keep the garlic bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilize: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring if needed.

Scapes: If you're growing hardneck garlic, remove the scapes (flower stalks) in early summer. This redirects energy to bulb development.

Step 7: Harvesting

Timing: Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer, when the lower leaves begin to brown.

Digging: Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork and lift them out.

Curing: Bundle the garlic plants or spread them out in a well-ventilated, shady area to cure for 2-3 weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry and the flavor to develop.

Step 8: Storage

Clean: Once cured, brush off any excess dirt and trim the roots and tops.

Store: Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Braiding softneck garlic is a traditional storage method.

Extra Tips:

Crop Rotation: Avoid planting garlic in the same spot year after year to prevent disease buildup.

Save the Best: Save some of your largest, healthiest bulbs to plant for next year's crop.

Enjoy: Use your homegrown garlic in all your favorite recipes!