5. Plant Garlic and Shallots for a Summer Bounty
Garlic and shallots are incredibly rewarding crops that require a unique growing schedule. Unlike most vegetables, they must be planted in the autumn to yield a successful harvest the following summer. Planting them in October or November allows these alliums to establish a strong, healthy root system before the ground freezes, giving them a massive head start when spring arrives.
To plant garlic, break apart a high-quality organic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact on each clove. Select the largest cloves for planting, as they will yield the largest future bulbs. Insert each clove into loose, well-draining soil with the pointed end facing up and the flat, root end facing down, about two inches deep and six inches apart. After planting, cover the bed with a thick, four-inch layer of straw mulch to insulate the soil and prevent frost-heaving during winter freeze-and-thaw cycles.
- Hardneck Garlic: Ideal for colder climates; produces delicious, curly “scapes” in late spring that can be harvested and eaten.
- Softneck Garlic: Best suited for mild winter regions; has a longer shelf life and features pliable stems that are perfect for braiding.
- French Red Shallots: Prized by chefs for their delicate, sweet flavor and beautiful copper-colored skins.