Beloved for its taste, as well as for its health benefits,
it is easy to understand why garlic
is such a popular choice among home gardeners. Not only is this easy-to-grow
crop delicious, but garlic is an excellent way for growers on a budget to save
money at the grocery store. While the taste of garlic grown at home may vary
among different varieties, the plethora of options allows success for even the
most persnickety of growers. Some cultivars may be very flavor-forward, but others,
like Chet’s Italian red, offer a mellow and balanced taste.
What is Chet’s Italian Red?
Chet’s Italian red garlic was first found growing on an
abandoned farm in Washington State. Chet Stevenson selected the garlic for
growth in his own garden. Chet’s Italian red garlic plants are prized for their
consistent subtle taste when grown in the right conditions, most commonly those
experienced by growers in the Pacific Northwest portion of the United States.
Though Chet’s Italian red garlic uses are numerous, the mild
winter temperatures in this region produces garlic of exceptional quality for
fresh eating. In addition to fresh garlic, Chet’s Italian red is a popular
choice in the kitchen.
Growing Chet’s Italian Red Garlic
Growing Chet’s Italian red garlic is similar to growing
other garlic
varieties. In fact, garlic will thrive in a wide variety of growing
conditions, as long as a light, well-draining soil is provided. Garlic is an
excellent choice for growers who are planting in small spaces and in
containers.
Like other garlics, this variety should be planted in the
fall, usually around three weeks before the first hard freeze occurs. This will
ensure that the bulb has sufficient time to begin to form a root system before
the ground starts to freeze in the winter. Since these plants will remain in
the garden throughout the winter, it is important to make certain that the
chosen garlic variety is hardy to your growing zone.
Garlic is most reliably purchased for planting from
reputable seed sources. Purchasing garlic for planting from a garden center or
online seed source is a good way to ensure that plants are disease free and
have not been treated with any chemicals that may inhibit growth.
Beyond planting, the garlic will require little care and
attention from the grower. Once the ground freezes in the winter, make certain
to cover the planting with a layer of mulch. This will help the garlic maintain
adequate moisture, as well as suppress any weeds that may sprout throughout
this time.
Garlic will begin in mature early in the next summer growing
season. As the tops of the plants begin to die back, the garlic
will be ready to harvest.
Beloved for its taste, as well as for its health benefits,
it is easy to understand why garlic
is such a popular choice among home gardeners. Not only is this easy-to-grow
crop delicious, but garlic is an excellent way for growers on a budget to save
money at the grocery store. While the taste of garlic grown at home may vary
among different varieties, the plethora of options allows success for even the
most persnickety of growers. Some cultivars may be very flavor-forward, but others,
like Chet’s Italian red, offer a mellow and balanced taste.
What is Chet’s Italian Red?
Chet’s Italian red garlic was first found growing on an
abandoned farm in Washington State. Chet Stevenson selected the garlic for
growth in his own garden. Chet’s Italian red garlic plants are prized for their
consistent subtle taste when grown in the right conditions, most commonly those
experienced by growers in the Pacific Northwest portion of the United States.
Though Chet’s Italian red garlic uses are numerous, the mild
winter temperatures in this region produces garlic of exceptional quality for
fresh eating. In addition to fresh garlic, Chet’s Italian red is a popular
choice in the kitchen.
Growing Chet’s Italian Red Garlic
Growing Chet’s Italian red garlic is similar to growing
other garlic
varieties. In fact, garlic will thrive in a wide variety of growing
conditions, as long as a light, well-draining soil is provided. Garlic is an
excellent choice for growers who are planting in small spaces and in
containers.
Like other garlics, this variety should be planted in the
fall, usually around three weeks before the first hard freeze occurs. This will
ensure that the bulb has sufficient time to begin to form a root system before
the ground starts to freeze in the winter. Since these plants will remain in
the garden throughout the winter, it is important to make certain that the
chosen garlic variety is hardy to your growing zone.
Garlic is most reliably purchased for planting from
reputable seed sources. Purchasing garlic for planting from a garden center or
online seed source is a good way to ensure that plants are disease free and
have not been treated with any chemicals that may inhibit growth.
Beyond planting, the garlic will require little care and
attention from the grower. Once the ground freezes in the winter, make certain
to cover the planting with a layer of mulch. This will help the garlic maintain
adequate moisture, as well as suppress any weeds that may sprout throughout
this time.
Garlic will begin in mature early in the next summer growing
season. As the tops of the plants begin to die back, the garlic
will be ready to harvest.