Garlic inhibits cancer cells, and is rich in protein, vitamins A, B1 and C and contains many trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron, chloride, and calcium. Crushed and mixed with honey and lemon, garlic is said to ease coughs and colds.

Growing instructions

Plant garlic about a month or so before the cold weather starts, giving the plant time to grow a strong set of roots. Nothing much happens in winter so don't despair, wait until spring when the bulbs start to fill out. Dig compost or well-aged manure into the soil prior to planting. Break garlic bulbs into cloves, plant each clove a few cm below the surface in well draining raised beds. Space them 8-10 cm apart with the pointy end facing up.

In the kitchen

Hang to dry for four weeks in a warm place with good ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the bulbs from rotting.

Garlic tips

• Garlic is good for pest control in the garden, particularly aphids. Soak it with some hot chillies in water for two weeks, then strain it, and apply it as a spray over plants in the garden.
• Don't try to grow garlic in wet humid summers or in damp boggy areas - it will rot.
• Garlic can be planted as a companion plant with roses, cabbages, eggplants, tomatoes and fruit trees.
• Harvest garlic in summer, when plants turn mostly yellow-brown - don't wait until it dies down completely or the bulb may rot. Ease bulbs out with a fork, careful not to damage bulbs.

This information kindly provided by the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia.