Garlic bulbs are one of the most rewarding edible crops to grow at home. Each bulb is divided into individual cloves, and each clove can be planted to produce a full new bulb the following season. Garlic is valued for its bold flavour, long storage potential, and versatility in the kitchen.
For best results, garlic is usually planted in the fall, giving the cloves time to establish roots before winter. In spring, the plants resume growth quickly and develop strong leafy tops before forming bulbs for summer harvest. Garlic prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture during active growth.
Hardneck garlic is especially popular in colder climates and is known for producing a stiff central stem, called a scape. The scapes can be harvested in early summer and used in cooking for a mild garlic flavour. Hardneck types usually produce fewer, larger cloves arranged around the central stem, and they are often prized for their rich, complex flavour.
Softneck garlic generally produces more cloves per bulb and usually stores longer than hardneck types. It does not typically form a stiff scape, and its flexible stems make it the type commonly used for garlic braids. In comparison, hardneck garlic is often chosen for flavour and cold hardiness, while softneck garlic is valued for storage, productivity, and traditional braiding.