Ecological Gardens will harvest our 11th year of garlic in mid-July! We planted 10 different varieties, eight hardneck and two softneck. Our heirloom garlic is locally grown in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. We farm with organic growing practices, chemical free and with lots of care.

Garlic is a member of the allium family that includes onions and shallots. There are two subspecies of garlic – ophioscorodon (commonly known as hardneck) and sativum (commonly known as softneck). Over 95% of the garlic sold in grocery stores is softneck since it can be easily grown in warm climates. Garlic connoisseurs, however, contend that “you haven’t tasted garlic until you taste the “ophios” (Growing Great Garlic). The ophio garlic evolved directly from wild garlic and remains close to its character and flavor. Fortunately for us, the ophio garlic performs best in cold winter climates.

Drying garlic increases its flavor and shelf life. After we harvest, the garlic is hung to dry for 3 weeks. The bulbs store well for six to nine months under optimal storage conditions. Softneck varieties tend to have a slightly longer shelf life. Optimal storage conditions include storing the garlic away from direct sunlight at room temperature or 10 degrees cooler with good air circulation and humidity levels of 40%-60%.

All of our garlic bulbs can be used for seed if you wish to grow your own garlic next year. It is high quality, local, climate acclimated seed.

Scapes are available in June Email lindsay@ecologicalgardens.com for scape inquiries.

Garlic will be available in mid-August. Continue to next page for order form.