Even though it is nick-named the “stinking rose,”  the garlic is actually more closely related to the tulip than the rose.  Which means two very important things for you if you ever wanted to raise your own garlic. 1) It is a bulb 2) Right now, October, is the time to be planting it.

I am a garlic lover.  I am not, however, a garlic expert.  I did meet one though. Her name is Ellen Reynolds and she operates Beagle Ridge Herb Farm just outside of Wytheville, VA.  I will tell you more about her and the farm at a later date.

Remember last week I told you about our trip to Wytheville?  It was for our anniversary, and nothing says “Happy Anniversary” quite like going to a garlic festival.  But that is what we did.  Yep, we plant geeks have all the fun, I know.  Anyway, while there, at Beagle Ridge, I had a chance to tour the facilities, the gardens, the store and attend several classes on how to prepare garlic and how to raise it successfully at home.

I talked with Ellen after class and she said that she would post that information on her web site.  So, if you are interested in trying to raise your own garlic this season.  Now is the time to get it into the ground, but before you head to the pantry to go get a bulb for seed read up on all things related to the care and nurture of your garlic garden here.

If you want warm thoughts all winter just dreaming of your garlic garden, then check out Beagle Ridge’s recipe section.

I hope to have a few guest columns from Ellen in the near future.  Till then, wander around their site;  it will suffice until you have a chance to get there.  Again, like the rest of Wytheville…it’s worth the drive.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some garlic to plant.

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