How to Grow Garlic & Shallots
Timing
Traditionally, garlic is planted in June on the shortest day of the year and harvested in December on the longest day, although it can be planted as early as April, and in cooler districts in May.
Location
Choose well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Plant Types
There’s a wide range to choose from, but the main types are:
- Garlic: Has a strong, pungent and slightly heated taste and is well-used in cooking.
- Elephant garlic: This isn’t a true garlic, but a type of leek with the same tall flowering stalk and broad leaves. It forms a bulb of very large, garlic-like cloves. The flavour is milder than regular garlic, making it suitable to use raw in salads.
- Shallots: These have a mild taste that combines the flavour of a sweet onion with a touch of garlic. Shallots are used a lot in salads and for bottling. They can be used to replace onion in most dishes.
Soil
Garlic and shallots are relatively heavy feeders, so dig in plenty of compost, some general garden fertiliser, and lime before planting.