Garlic should be started early in the year and it’s a good idea to prepare the soil during the previous autumn and cover it with black plastic (plant-based plastic if possible) or old carpets to avoid weeds germinating. Remove the covering a week before planting garlic to allow the soil to breathe. Gently fork over the soil and watch out for weeds at this stage.

NB: Take care when removing covers that have been unmoved during the winter months. There may be creatures lurking 

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Traditionally, garlic bulbs were planted on the shortest day of the year. In the northern hemisphere, this is winter solstice (December 21st) but garlic can generally be planted anytime from December to March. Again, double check on your variety and regional growing recommendations before you start.

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Plant each clove in prepared soil about 2 inches (5cm) deep. Many growers leave the top of each clove just showing above the soil, but every time I try this, the birds carry them off. Either protect against birds or lightly cover each clove.

Allow about 6inches (15cm) between cloves and about 12inches (30cm) between lines. Some newer varieties, one-clove garlic for example, may need less space.

Plant as many as space allows. Garlic stores well and a good harvest is very welcome. And if you have too many to eat, plaits of organic garlic make a lovely gift for a ‘foodie’ friend at Christmas.

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Because garlic is planted early in the year, it won’t need watering in a wet spring. Keep an eye out for weeds though. Weeds take the nutrients out of your soil and away from your crops, so always worth checking them over and pulling them out.