Question 1

When is the best time to purchase seed garlic?

Accepted Answer

We open up the webstore in January for new seed reservations as many people want to order their garlic when they're ordering for their vegetable gardens.  We only list a limited amount of inventory at that time and will update the store after the harvest season, so check back in August if the variety you want is currently "Out of Stock".   The best time to order is early in the season.  Our biggest bulbs go out first and our orders are filled on a first in, first out basis.  To gaurentee you get our largest bulbs, order as early as you can.     We ONLY sell garlic that we grow ourselves, so when the suppy runs out that is the end until next season.

Question 2

Is your garlic Certified Organic?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How much garlic do I need?

Accepted Answer

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 planning your planting space, give at least 6" in all directions between bulbs.  We like to plant in rows, with approximate 6" between the bulbs and 10-12" between rows.   Remember when ordering your garlic that bigger bulbs going into the ground usually gives you bigger bulbs coming out of the ground (if you care for them properly).  Order early to ensure you get our best bulbs.  Big bulbs go out first, to our customers who ordered first.

Question 4

When will my garlic ship?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How long will hard neck garlic store for?

Accepted Answer

Kept cool and in the dark you can expect your properly cured garlic to store for at least 4-6 months.  I have had my Chesnok Red and Carpathian store well into Spring (April and beyond).

Question 6

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

We strive to send you the best product availalbe but if you are unhappy with your garlic, please reach out within 2 weeks of recieving your order to let us know of your problem.

Question 7

Can I grow hard neck garlic in the Southern states?

Accepted Answer

Growers in warm areas, without prolonged cold temperatures during the winter, will need to vernalize their garlic before planting.  Place it in a paper bag, into the fridge away from other fruits and veggies.  Give 6-12 weeks of cold temperatures before planting.

Question 8

When should I plant my garlic?

Accepted Answer

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").

Question 9

How should I care for my garlic for success?

Accepted Answer

If you're new to growing garlic, consider buying one of our sampler packs.  We send each one with a Guide to Growing Garlic that is packed full of great information to get you off to the right start.  From pre-planting preparation to post-harvest handling, we cover it all.   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.   NUTRITION:  In the Fall, amend the soil with lots of compost and/or plenty of cover crop.  In the Spring garlic loves foliar feeding.  We alternate our foliar feeds between a liquid fish fertlizer and a home brewed compost tea.  In our 5b zone we foliar feed from whenever the garlic is 2-3" (varies greatly year to year) until mid-May.

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.   SCAPING:  Hard neck varieties of garlic will produce a scape.  This is an immature flower head that should be removed to encourage bulb growth.  Most varieties are harvestd when the scape has made 1 full curl.  Scapes are tasty Spring treat.  Prepare into a pesto or cook any way you would prepare green beans or asparagus: Roasted, stir fried, grilled, or in soups.

Question 10

What is the best plant spacing?

Accepted Answer

Plant spacing can vary depending on the size of bulbs desired.  For large bulbs, we space plants 6" apart, in rows 8-12" apart.  For medium bulbs you can plant in a 6"x6" grid.  For small bulbs plant using a 4"x6" spacing.

Question 11

When should I harvest my garlic?

Accepted Answer

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.     This is part of the art of growing great garlic.  Too long in the ground and your bulb wrappers will split and your garlic will not store for as long.  Harvesting to soon and your bulbs will not reach their maximum potential for size.  Your day to day weather conditions and the reality of life will dictate much of when you harvest.  Going to rain tomorrow?  If your garlic is close you will want to harvest before the rain.  Going on vacation next week?  Don't leave your garlic in the ground if it is close.

Question 12

What does it mean to "cure" my garlic harvest?"

Accepted Answer

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.    When the garlic has fully cured, the top and roots should be trimmed and the dirty outer layers of bulb wrappers should be gently rubbed off.

Mountain Valley Garlic: Certified Organic Seed Garlic

SEED & CULINARY GARLIC SHIPS IN OCTOBER -- FLAT RATE SHIPPING

Garlic Growing FAQ's & Tips

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