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What on earth would a gardening bunny be doing digging in the middle of winter? Well, today I finally got my garlic and broad beans in. Both a little later than I intended, but still within planting parameters.
Garlic is traditionally planted at midwinter, which was slightly over a week ago now, but it's not as fussy as all that really. It can actually go in anytime from early to late winter - it just appreciates a few good frosts to get it going.
These are elephant garlic cloves, ready to be planted their own length deep into the cool wintry soil. Remember, pointy end up - this is where the leaves will emerge from. You can actually see the wee nubs on the base of this clove that will become roots in very short order. Elephant garlic is big and mild, and actually more closely related to leeks than true garlic, so it's a great choice for those of you who like a little garlic flavour without it being completely overwhelming. See
my previous garlic post for more information about planting your garlic.
Broad beans can also go in anytime over the winter, and are a great, reliable early spring/summer provider. I love my baby broad beans parboiled and then stir-fried with a little olive oil, chorizo and lemon juice - it's so far from any traumatic childhood memories of huge boiled floury beans you'll be a born again bean convert! Get my good old Coles Early Dwarf Broad Beans from
my Felt shop today.
