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Growing garlic It might be the perfect crop for curious desert gardeners.
BY TRUDY FULLER
T
HE PERFECT PROJECT FOR THE curious desert gardener just might be planting garlic. Once the inground garden bed,
624,000 $
Aug. 30
40584 W. Desert Fairways
raised bed or large container is prepped with compost and fertilizer, it will be ready for the cloves from the garlic bulb. A word of caution, though: Get your garlic from internet sources. Farms and nurseries in Arizona sell a stunning array of garlic varieties expressly for planting, unlike the typical garlic in the grocery store. Note that some are hardnecked and normally planted in colder climates, while others are softnecked and better suited to warmer climates. Refrigerate purchased seed garlic in a paper bag for four to six weeks. This is called vernalization. The optimum planting window in the low desert is usually from October through November. When planting, break the garlic bulb apart and plant the flat side of the clove downward and the pointed side up. It is recommended to plant cloves about 2 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Mulching is also advised. Be sure the soil is only moist and not saturated. The first signs of growth will appear in early spring, following winter dormancy. Certain garlic varieties may send up flowering shoots called scapes. It is advised to trim these shoots to direct all energy to the bulbs below ground. These green scapes may be used in cooking sauces, pesto and soups, giving a mild garlic flavor. They can also be added to the compost pile.
This lakeside home has a three-car garage and an RV garage. In addition to three bedrooms and a great room, there is a study and gourmet kitchen with a breakfast nook. The master suite features a large walk-in closet and dual-sink bathroom. A covered patio in the backyard offers views of the community lake. It sold for $15,000 less than its original list price.
Community: The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado Square feet: 2,580 Price per square foot: $242.25 Lot size: 10,610 sqft
Days on market: 46 Builder: Richmond American Homes Year built: 2022 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5
This ad could be yours for less than 4¢.
2. 42483 W. Blue Suede Shoes Lane, Province ................................................$600,000 3. 43273 W. Knauss Drive, The Villages at Rancho El Dorado...................$583,815 4. 22043 N. O’Sullivan Drive, Rancho El Dorado..............................................$570,000 5. 21866 N. Backus Drive, Rancho El Dorado ....................................................$559,995
least expensive HOME SOLD
Aug. 10 253,000 $
44875 W. Paitilla Lane
This single-story home has connected living, dining and kitchen areas. It sold for $20,000 below its original list price. The house is already back on the market. The buyers listed it for $319,000 Sept. 11. The home has changed hands several times. It fetched $133,000 in 2015, $109,600 in 2013 and $74,580 in 2009.
harvesting to let the leaves direct more energy into the bulbs. Lay them out to dry, shading them from the sun. Due to the dry desert air, this can be as short as two weeks. Carefully trim the roots and the tops once dried. Store in a paper bag or open tray where air can circulate, avoiding the refrigerator. Milder-flavored desert-grown garlic will be a welcome addition to your kitchen. Maricopa resident Trudy Fuller is a Pinal County Master Gardener volunteer.
Harvest here in the low desert before oppressive heat sets in, usually from early- to mid-May depending on the temperature of previous months. When the lower leaves of the plants turn brown, the bulbs are ready. The bulbs may not look as big or white as those bought in-store, but don’t let that concern you. Depending on the variety purchased, they may take the shape of a turban artichoke. When harvesting, use a garden fork or spade to gently lift the bulbs out of the soil instead of pulling them like an onion or carrot. Try to avoid nicking the bulb. If the bulb is nicked, put it first in line to use for cooking. Keep the remaining tops on the garlic after
(520) 568-0040 InMaricopa.com/Advertising
Community: Acacia Crossings Square feet: 1,402 Lot size: 5,189 sqft Price per square foot: $180.46 Days on market: 26
Builder: Shea Homes Year built: 2004 Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms plus: 3 Bathrooms: 2
2. 36350 W. Alhambra St., Tortosa....................................................................$261,000 3. 44836 W. Gavilan Drive, Acacia Crossings.............................................$270,000 4. 19220 N. Toledo Ave., Tortosa........................................................................$275,000 5. 36792 W. Mondragone Lane, Sorrento.....................................................$285,000
520-374-6263 macmastergardener@gmail.com
Source: MLS, Aug. 10-Sept. 9
InMaricopa.com | October 2023
October 2023 | InMaricopa.com
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