Garlic likes a humus rich soil which must be well drained. Plant the individual cloves (pointy side up!) at approx. the same depth as the bulb anytime from autumn to spring. Leave approx. 15cm between plants.

Plants will take at least 9 months until maturity, and are harvested once the leaves and flowers die back in summer. Then the bulbs should be removed from the ground and hung to dry.

Garlic will store in a cool, dry place for several months before it can be used or replanted.

The cloves add a delicious flavour to many dishes, and are excellent as a roasted vegetable eaten whole. Cooking the cloves gives a milder flavour.

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and its antiseptic and antibiotic properties (as an aid to prevent colds and flu) have been scientifically acknowledged, as has its ability to lower cholesterol.

Garlic can also be used as an effective spray against garden pests and fungus diseases. If used as a contact spray, it will kill aphids, stink bugs, spider mite, thrip and caterpillars. If sprayed on leaves, it will help make them unpalatable to many insect pests, but of course will not be effective after rain or overhead watering. It is useful to prevent dampening off disease of seedlings and other leaf spot diseases.

As a companion plant, garlic helps to confuse insect pests and is a popular choice for interplanting with roses, brassicas (eg. cabbage and broccoli), and fruit trees.

Quick garlic spray recipe:

Roughly chop 10 regular cloves of garlic (try about 5 Russian garlic cloves) and steep overnight in 1L of warm water. Strain and use within a few days.