I love Garlic!

Oh, garlic, you saucy little charmer, the forbidden bulb of the allium family that whispers seductive secrets in my ear while warding off not just vampires but also unwanted small talk at parties—because who needs friends when your breath could strip paint off a battleship?

 

I love you for your versatility, darling bulb, how you transform a bland pasta into a colorful symphony of flavor explosions that make my taste buds do the cha-cha while my digestive system plots a midnight rebellion, complete with fireworks and a mariachi band of gut gurgles.

 

You're the unsung hero of my midnight snacks, turning plain bread into garlic bread, which is basically bread that's been to therapy and emerged confident, crispy, and utterly irresistible, yet you humble me with your weird alchemy, like how crushing you releases allicin, that magical compound that fights bacteria harder than a caffeinated ninja on a sugar rush. But let's get real weird: I once dreamed you were a spirit, a clove-shaped deity demanding sacrifices of olive oil and parmesan, and in that feverish vision, you revealed the universe's greatest truth—that life's too short for odorless existence, so why not embrace the stink that makes dogs howl, cats flee, and dates evaporate like morning dew? Garlic, you're my award-winning obsession, the Nobel Garlic Prize of condiments, because in a world of vanilla souls, you're the bold, bizarre bite that leaves me gasping, giggling, and yes, occasionally sprinting to the loo mid-laugh, pants be damned, for you've seasoned my soul with hilarity and heartburn in equal, exquisite measure.

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Now that I'm an adult, I literally put garlic in everything.  Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs, Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast, Garlic Salmon Linguine, Garlic Lime Salmon, Garlic-Mashed Rutabagas & Potatoes, Onion-Garlic Bubble Bread, and Au Gratin Garlic Potatoes.  I could eat a bowl of caramelized garlic and fermented black garlic as if it were a meal in and of itself.

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If social media has taught us anything, there are plenty of strong opinions about garlic.  Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is neither a vegetable, root, nor tuber in the strictest sense—it's a bulb! Specifically, garlic is a perennial, closely related to onions, leeks, and chives.   ​Aside from the bad breath, it may give me, my love of garlic is a bit over-the-top and weird.  So, let's hear it: How much do you love garlic?

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The Universal Love of Garlic: A Flavor that Transcends Borders

Garlic, the "stinky rose," has been a staple in cuisines around the world for thousands of years. Its pungent aroma and flavor have captivated hearts and taste buds, making it a beloved ingredient in many cultures. From the spicy kick of Korean kimchi to the rich flavors of Italian pasta sauces, garlic adds depth and warmth to dishes that bring people together.

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But despite its widespread popularity, many people have never experienced the joy of growing garlic. Perhaps they live in urban areas with limited space, or maybe they don't have a green thumb. Whatever the reason, we're here to encourage you to give garlic growing a try. Yes, you! Regardless of your background, where you grew up, or your living conditions, you can grow garlic.

The beauty of garlic lies in its hardiness and adaptability. It's a crop that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, making it accessible to gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, you can coax garlic into growth with minimal care. All you need is a pot, some soil, a few cloves, and a dash of patience.

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Our planet, Earth, seems to have a special affinity for garlic. The right combination of sunlight, water, and nutrients allows garlic to flourish, releasing its distinctive aroma into the air. As you nurture your garlic plants, you'll discover the therapeutic benefits of gardening: the satisfaction of watching something you planted grow, the joy of being connected to nature, and the pride of harvesting a crop you've cared for.

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Growing garlic can be a transformative experience, connecting you to the land, your community, and your heritage. Imagine plucking a fresh bulb from the earth, feeling the texture of the papery skin, and inhaling the pungent aroma. The taste of homegrown garlic is unparalleled – rich, complex, and utterly addictive.

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Yes, Yes, if you've never grown garlic before, we invite you to give it a try. Don't worry if you're new to gardening; garlic is forgiving and rewarding. As you cultivate this incredible ingredient, you'll discover why it's a staple in so many cuisines around the world. You'll join a community of garlic enthusiasts who appreciate the simple joys of growing, cooking, and sharing this beloved flavor.

​We're in Bozeman and offer seed garlic for planting.  Our garlic is pretty darn amazing, though check your local farmer's market to see what you can find.  There are so many options.  You can do this!

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Getting Started

If you're ready to embark on your garlic-growing journey, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil

• Plant individual cloves 4-6 inches apart, pointed end up

• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering

• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Harvest when the tops of the plants begin to yellow and fall over

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As you explore the world of garlic, you'll find that it's not just a flavor – it's a way to connect with others, to appreciate the beauty of nature, and to savor the simple pleasures in life. So go ahead, give garlic growing a try, and discover the love that people around the world have for this incredible ingredient.