Planting Garlic and Daffodils

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

We had plenty of garlic left over from this summer's crop, so I didn't have to buy any new seed garlic this year. I selected three of our largest bulbs and planted the individual cloves about four inches deep in the cool earth of our newly made garden bed. It was enough for three short rows, all lined up next to our still-ailing grapevine.

I also spent some time this weekend finding new homes for the daffodil bulbs I brought with me from the community garden. I wanted to plant a few under the maple tree in our front yard. I thought it would be a great way to initiate the de-lawning process and stake out a few surprises for next spring. But my efforts were quickly thwarted once I tried tapping into the extremely dry, clay soil. I struggled to remove just one small shovel's worth of sod, and then I hit one of the tree's roots. Not good.


I gave up on that idea and instead tucked the bulbs into the borders along the house, where there there was, surprise, more tough soil disguised under a thin layer of mulch and sprawling azalea roots. It was no easy task to get through all that, and I surely hope the bulbs will make it. Not only are they in tough soil, but they also have to survive the dreaded squirrel, who visits daily now. Wherever I dig, the squirrel soon follows. It's so frustrating. If I see any daffodils in my spring garden, I will be pleased!