The King of Bulbs

In your kitchen, what is the most used culinary ingredient? In this cooking establishment, garlic reigns as king! If you missed the posting when I mentioned garlic scapes, there's an easy recipe inside. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2012/06/no-escaping-monday.html What typically follows the scapes - harvesting the garlic planted last fall. Gather the heads before splitting occurs. Need additional tips for a few best practices on harvesting and drying your garlic? Here’s another archived post that could come in handy. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2011/07/gathering-garlic.html

One other tip to not overlook about the king of bulbs - just like a fine wine, it should not be relished before its time. Allowing the heads to dry properly gives you the best and freshest culinary ingredient. Don’t crack it open too soon!

But before it’s called a wrap, just one other reminder - folks heading out of town for vacation would do best to find a garden sitter. Summer weather conditions, predictable (hot and humid) or unpredictable (severe thunderstorms) can raise havoc with your garden. Even if you bug out for only a few days, make sure someone stays on top of the garden valuables.  Pay particular attention to your container plantings, sprouting produce or new/transplanted spring plantings.  Coming back to shriveled up plant material or ‘missed the harvest’ veggies (cabbage, spinach, lettuce are ready to enjoy) would be a major disappointment.

So while you’re sunning on the beach somewhere, remember your living plants back at the ranch. Even if irrigation is set to run on timers, you always want a reliable and knowledgeable individual to check on the overall garden situation. No instant swimming pools, either. Take it from H.F. Ellis. “An unwatched pot boils immediately.” Just when you’re not looking….Murphy’s law!

P.S. Time to consider placing all your bulb orders for the fall planting – make sure you get the best color and varieties by shopping early.

Image of garlic heads drying by Ann Bilowz

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