Frequently Asked Questions
Is your garlic Certified Organic?
All of our garlic is Certified Organic by the WSDA. Currently all of our garlic is grown and certified through our sister company Winniford Family Farm LLC where all the growing happens. As our seed company grows we may choose to bring in other Certified Organic farmers.
When will my garlic ship?
We start shipping in September to our Alaska friends who need to plant early. The rest of the orders go out beginning in October. Orders are fulfilled in the order they are recieved, so the biggest bulbs go to our customers who order earliest.
When should I plant my garlic?
We plant 3-4 weeks after our 1st frost, but any time before the ground freezes will be fine. If you are in a cold climate such as our 5b consider topping with a heavy mulch. We currently use the thickest grade row cover and anchor it with sandbags. Depending on your scale and location other good mulch options include: grass clippings, dried leaves, weed free straw, 2nd or 3rd cutting alfalfa (to avoid weeds), or even using no mulch but planting your garlic deeper (3-4").
How should I care for my garlic for success?
Garlic is a heavy feeder and loves fertility. Plant in full sun and provide plenty of food and water throughout the growing period. Taper water off after scaping to allow the soil to dry at harvest time.
WATER: Provide about 1" of water each week. Tapering the water off after scapes have been picked. Be careful to avoid too much water near harvest time.
How much garlic do I need?
Generally you can plan for a 1: 4-7 return. So if you plant 1 pound in the Fall, you should harvest 4-7 pounds in the following Summer. Keep in mind that bulbs that have fewer cloves, will produce few bulbs. 1 clove grows into 1 bulb.
When should I harvest my garlic?
After your scapes have been picked your garlic will bulb and mature rapidly. Count the number of leaves on your garlic and havest when approximately 60% of the leaves have turned brown. For example if you count 10 leaves on your garlic plant, harvest when about 6 have turned brown.
What does it mean to "cure" my garlic harvest?
After you harvest your garlic there is another important step before your garlic is ready for storage. You must first allow it to cure, out of direct sunlight in a place with lots of air flow such as an air porch, a cool garage, or an open barn or shed with a fan to encourage air flow. Keep garlic out of direct sunlight. This curing process generally takes 2-4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity levels.
How long will hard neck garlic store for?
Kept cool and in the dark you can expect your properly cured garlic to store for 4-6 months.