Can be grown as annual, biennial, or perennial!

Grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-10

Edible parts of plants: the leaves/stalk

Sun: full sun to partial shade

Ideal temperature: 55-70 F

Soil type requirements: well-drained, sandy, pH 6.0-7.0

Space requirements: Plant seeds 6 inches apart, with a foot between rows 

Water frequency: keep soil moist; water deeply once a week. 

Possible companion plants: Strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes 

Planting season: Spring 

Start date: After last frost, generally in late March/early April in DC. 

Starting method: from seed or from cutting

Harvest date: Harvest around 120-150 days after planting by pulling the entire plant up. Use a fork to loosen soil around base. 

Pests: Very sensitive to slugs. Leek moths can lay their larvae on the young stems, remove with gentle soap. 

Can be grown as annual, biennial, or perennial!

Grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-10

Edible parts of plants: the bulb

Native range: USDA hardiness zones 5-9

Sun: full sun to partial shade

Ideal temperature: 55-70 F

Soil type requirements: well-drained, sandy, pH 6.0-7.0

Space requirements: Plant seeds 6 inches apart, with a foot between rows 

Water frequency: keep soil moist; water deeply once a week. 

Possible companion plants: Strawberries, cabbage, tomatoes 

Planting season: Fall

Start date: Garlic overwinters, meaning that it is planted in cool weather, lays dormant for a few months, before starting to grow in the spring. In DC, a good time to plant garlic is late October - early November (temperatures should hover around 50 F)

Starting method: from clove 

Harvest date: 8-9 months after planting, the garlic bulb will be ready. When the top of the garlic is starting to turn brown and dry, the bulb is usually ready. This will be in mid-July or August. 

White Rot: A fungi that affects most members of the allium family. Can stay in the soil for years, so if you notice it, pull out all affected alliums and apply fungicide immediately.