October, The Subterranean Apothec

By Leslie Watkins

Illustration by Leslie Watkins © 2017

If I could grow just one thing only, it would be Allium sativum. More than an absolutely indispensable ingredient for most of my favorite recipes, it also offers substantial health benefits while delivering good protection form vampires—useful at this time of year. Garlic has been used historically for thousands of years. The ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Indians, Greeks and Romans all mention it in their medicinal texts, and it may have been used even earlier. King Tutkankhamen brought it with him to the afterworld and it is mentioned in both the Bible and Talmud. Soldiers, athletes and pyramid laborers used it routinely for it’s purported ability to build strength, courage and performance. Native Americans made a medicinal tea with it.

Nutritionally garlic doesn’t offer much, but what it does have is allicin—big time. More than onions, leeks, chives or shallots. Allicin is the anti-bacterial, lipid lowering, anti-congealing, anti-hypertension, anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-microbial ingredient found in raw garlic, wow.

It has been used to treat victims of plague, prescribed to aid respiration and digestion, diarrhea, worm infestation and much, much more. It has also been used to treat male impotence, although I imagine there may be some question as to its effectiveness in that regard. Unless of course the object of one’s desire is also enjoying a meal flavored with the “stinking rose.”

In the garden it is applied to repel slugs, deer, rodents and insects. Anecdotal evidence suggests consuming it may help to keep mosquitos and ticks at bay from you and your dog. It is also used routinely as a tonic for poultry. It has been said that 5 cents will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.

But why do I love to grow it so? For one thing you plant it in the fall when the gardening schedule is less hectic. If you do miss the fall planting opportunity, it can also be planted in early spring. It needs virtually no care other than a nicely prepared bed. You can harvest and enjoy the spring greens like scallions, make pesto or stir-fry the scapes in early summer, and harvest the bulbs in mid-summer. Garlic may be the simplest crop to store through winter. Simply dry and store in brown bags.

Garlic is used as an adhesive, an insecticide and a preservative. But its most widespread use is in culinary recipes including soups, meats, vegetables, salads, dressings, sauces and even ice cream.  It is crushed, chopped, sliced, minced, sautéed, roasted, fried, sprinkled, spread and liquified.

There are many heirloom varieties available. The hardnecks are the ones that grow best in colder climates. I especially like Siberian, Montana Giant, Marino, and Zemo. Plant the cloves from October through November, 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in staggered rows. Mulch well with straw and forget about it until next year.

Top Ten Fall-Planted Bulbs

Allium “Gladiator”
Allium sativum
Camassia caerulea
Erythronium pagoda
Galanthus nivalis
Hyacinthoides hispanica “Excelsior”
Leucojum aestivumn “Gravetye Giant”
Narcissus “Pheasant’s Eye”
Muscari  armeniacum
Siberian squill “Spring Beauty”