Softneck Garlic Bulbs

Garlic thrives in a sunny location in fertile, well-draining soil. You can improve your soil by digging in plenty of well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost a few months before planting. Begin planting by carefully breaking apart the bulb to separate out the individual cloves. Plant them pointy end up and about 15cm(6in) apart, leaving a foot between rows. Cover them back over with soil so that the tips of the cloves are about 2.5cm(1in) below soil. Water if the weather is dry, and weed between rows to keep the plants from getting swamped. You can also grow garlic in containers, or in module trays for planting out in spring, if you live in a very cold region.

Harvesting
Your garlic is ready to lift when the leaves have begun to turn yellow or die down. Use a fork or trowel to ease the bulbs from the ground, then dry them out somewhere warm and airy. Once dry brush off any remaining soil, cut off the leaves and store in a cool dry place. Garlic is best to be rotated on a minimum three year cycle to prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.