A Bunch of Garlic Bulbs
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a species of the onion family and is a close relation of chives, shallots and leeks. Garlic is widely used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. A popular crop in New Jersey, garlic is easily grown and quite hardy. Does this Spark an idea?
When to Plant
In New Jersey and other colder climates, it is best to plant garlic in the fall. Planting one month to six weeks before the soil freezes is the preferred time line since this allows the plants time to get established. The plants will then go dormant in the winter and, when the weather warms up, will have a burst of growth.
Plant Care
Garlic does not thrive with competition, so keep up with weeding. The plant prefers even moisture, therefore be careful not to overwater it because overwatering shortens the bulb's lifespan. Stop watering the garlic a few weeks prior to harvesting.
Facts
Garlic is chock full of vitamins and nutrients including protein, potassium, Vitamins A, B, B2 and C, calcium and zinc. It contains more germanium, an anti-cancer agent, than any other herb. With all its goodness for humans, garlic is toxic to cats and dogs.
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