Garlic

Garlic is broadly divided into two main categories based on growth habit, winter hardiness, and stem structure:

• Hardneck Garlic: Produces a rigid central stem that loops into a flowering stalk (scape) in late spring. Hardnecks thrive in colder climates, feature fewer but larger cloves per head, and are generally easier to peel. They offer rich, complex, and pungent flavors.
• Softneck Garlic: Does not produce a hard central stem or scape, making the pliable stems ideal for braiding. Softnecks thrive in milder, southern climates and produce multiple layers of smaller cloves per head. They store significantly longer than hardneck varieties.

Fall Planting Window: Plant cloves in the fall. Cold temperatures (vernalization) below 40°F are required for 6–8 weeks to force the main clove to segment into multiple individual cloves.

Preparing Cloves: Break the garlic bulb apart into individual cloves right before planting, keeping the paper wrapper intact on each clove. Plant only the largest, healthiest cloves.

Planting Depth: Plant each clove pointy side up with the root base 2 inches deep.

Mulching: Immediately cover the bed with a 3–4 inch layer of straw, pine straw, or clean shredded leaves to insulate roots against winter frost heaving and maintain moisture.

Soil Requirements:

pH between 6.0–7.0

Rich in compost or organic matter

Well-draining, but moisture-retentive

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

2 Weeks after planting:
Using the Hoss Fertilizer Injector, Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer -AND -1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.

4 Weeks after planting:
Using the Hoss Fertilizer Injector, Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer AND 1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. row.

Alternate Every 7 Days
Sidedress with Hoss Premium Ammonium Sulfate -AND- 1 cup of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.

30 Days Before Harvest
Discontinue fertilizing.

Scape Removal (Hardnecks Only): In late spring, hardneck types produce a curled flowering stem (scape). Snip scapes off as soon as they curl to redirect energy into bulb expansion.

Harvest Indicator: Harvest when the bottom 3–4 leaves turn brown and die, but the top 4–5 leaves remain green. Each green leaf represents a protective papery wrapper layer around the bulb.

Digging: Carefully loosen soil with a digging fork at least 6 inches away from the stem and lift the bulb out. Never yank the stem, or it will pull free from the root plate.

Curing: Do not wash the fresh bulbs. Hang in bundles or lay them flat in a single layer in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated area for 3–4 weeks.

Storage: Once wrappers are fully dry, trim roots to ½ inch and cut stems 1–2 inches above the bulb (or braid softnecks). Store in mesh bags at 50–60°F with moderate humidity for 6 to 9 months depending on variety.

Perpetual Seed Harvest: Reserve your largest, healthiest cured heads to break apart and replant during the following fall.

Culinary Scapes: Garlic scapes are a delicacy! Chop fresh scapes to make garlic scape pesto, or sauté them in butter for a mild, sweet garlic flavor weeks before main harvest.