Despite its reputation as an ingredient used in warmer countries, garlic is surprisingly easy to grow in cooler climates, although it needs a long growing season. Always use bulbs from a reputable supplier.

When to start: Autumn.

At their best: Summer.

Time to complete: 1 hour.

You will need: Garlic bulbs, dibber, string line, rake, horticultural grit for heavy soils.

How to plant

Plant into well-drained soil; add horticultural grit to heavy soils, or plant into a low ridge of soil. Split the bulb into individual cloves, plant with the point facing up, 4 in (10 cm) deep, 8 in (20 cm) apart, and cover with soil.

Harvest and dry

Garlic is ripe when the leaves turn yellow in summer. Lift the bulbs and hang them to dry. Store individually or braid them together while the stems are dry but flexible. Starting with three bulbs, braid the stems until there is room to add more, then join the new stems to the other strings of the braid. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.