09/25/2026
Wow! What a huge bulb! 2.5" across and 4.5 ounces. More than a quarter pound!
When I first started growing garlic in the Yukon over 30 years ago everyone told me it couldn't be done.
Well, this is proof that it can be!
What? How?
I have shared this technique with many Yukon growers over the last 30+ years. Here is how I grow garlic here:
1: store the garlic indoors for the winter at 12 to 14c(cool room in basement)
2: put the garlic in a fridge or cellar in early March. This is to vernalize it(makes it think it's been in the ground for the winter)
3: in early May I separate the bulbs and soak the cloves first in alcohol(40%) to sterilize for 30 minutes and then in an organic fertilizer solution for overnight.
4: plant 3" to 4" deep, 6" to 8" apart in fertile soil.
5: add organic fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks until the scapes(what would be a seed head) form. This puts more energy into the bulb. Keep evenly watered without over watering.
6: cut the scapes when they have a full curl and enjoy them in pesto, stir fry, and grilled.. they are delicious !
7: harvest at the end of September before the frost penetrates too much.
8: clean off the soil and trim the stem at about 8"
9: cure(dry) for 3 to 4 weeks
Then enjoy!
I'll be at the Mount Lorne harvest market tomorrow Saturday 26th 11 to 3. Come stock up on garlic!
