Better late than never

I have finally managed to plant my garlic…

I know, I know it is very late to be planting garlic, but my excuse is that I managed to wrench my back in December, then I started to plant some in January, but was a bit concerned it would drown in all the rain we had.  I am just hoping that the guides saying you can plant up until late February are correct.

It may be late, but I certainly didn't want to miss out on planting this most important crop.  I love home grown garlic, it has a much nicer flavour than anything you get in the supermarkets (although if you aren't growing your own I recommend you go to a farmers market or local supplier – in fact all food is much nicer from these local and artisan suppliers, especially in light of recent news stories).

Garlic is a wonderful addition to any plot or garden, not only as produce, but, as part of the alliums family, it is the ideal companion plant to carrots (the smell deters carrot fly) along with fruit trees, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and brassicas.  However, it seems to restrict the growth of peas and beans.  You can also plant cloves next to roses to protect them from aphids. 

There is a lot of folklore that surrounds garlic and its ‘magical’ properties.  It has a reputation for curing anything from the common cold to the plague!  It is certainly a natural antibiotic that bacteria don’t seem to build up a resistance to.  Studies have also shown that it has a powerful antioxidant effect.  There are suggestions that it may assist in managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Garlic has always been seen as an important ingredient, though it was rare in English cuisine.  However, throughout Europe it was believed to be a powerful ward against demons, werewolves, and vampires.  To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn, hung in windows or rubbed on chimneys and keyholes.

In Egypt the builders of the pyramids were said to have eaten garlic on a daily basis to increase their strength and endurance.

The ancient Greeks would place it on piles of stones at cross-roads, as a gift to Hecate.

The Roman Emperors were big fans as it was considered to be an antidote to poisons – rather useful in those turbulent times.  However, it seems to have offered no protection to being stabbed countless times!!!

In Spain they have long used garlic as a preservative because of its anti bacterial properties and have dedicated whole books to its health benefits.

If you are worried about bad breath after consuming garlic, chewing raw parsley is said to help…