Top 3 Reasons to Grow Your Own Garlic and Shallots in Central Texas Hill Country
This page may contain affiliate links.
Click here to learn more
Cloves of soft neck garlic about to be planted in my garden
Gardening in Central Texas, specifically in zones 8b and 9, presents a unique opportunity for growing a variety of flavorful and healthful crops. Among these, garlic and shallots stand out as excellent choices for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here’s why you should consider adding these culinary staples to your garden.
1. Adaptability to the Texas Climate
Garlic and shallots thrive in Central Texas, where the mild winters and warm springs align perfectly with their growing requirements. These plants need a period of cool to cold temperatures to develop their bulbs, which the Texas winter readily provides. By planting in the fall, you can allow your garlic and shallots to establish themselves during the cooler months, ensuring a robust start. The warmth of the spring then supports their growth spurt, leading to harvests by early summer.
In Central Texas, the softneck garlic varieties are particularly well-suited due to their adaptability to warmer climates. Softneck garlic, such as 'California Early' and 'Silver Rose', is known for its ability to store well and generally produces more cloves per bulb than hardneck varieties. These are a great choice for gardeners in warmer parts of zone 9. On the other hand, hardneck garlic varieties like 'Spanish Roja' and 'Music' can also be grown successfully in the slightly cooler areas of zone 8b. Hardneck garlic is prized for its complex flavors and the edible scapes it produces, which can be harvested and used in cooking.
For shallots, varieties such as 'French Red' and 'Dutch Yellow' perform exceptionally well in the region, developing full flavors that are much more pronounced than those grown in less ideal conditions.
Renee's Garden Seeds is still taking orders for Fall delivery of shallots and garlic!
Click here for supplies.
2. Ease of Growing and Low Maintenance
Both garlic and shallots are remarkably easy to grow, making them perfect for gardeners who appreciate straightforward care routines. These crops require relatively little space and can be grown in both raised beds and containers, making them suitable for various garden setups. Once established, they need minimal care beyond occasional watering and weeding.
Planting is simple: for garlic, individual cloves are planted about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, while shallot bulbs can be spaced similarly. Both prefer well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, reducing the need for frequent watering and simplifying maintenance. Additionally, these plants are rarely bothered by pests, which means less need for chemical interventions.
Want more detailed information to help you stay on track for ordering things like garlic and knowing the best time to plant your crops?
3. Superior Flavor and Health Benefits
Growing your own garlic and shallots ensures that you have access to the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. The taste of freshly harvested garlic and shallots is far superior to that of store-bought varieties, which are often several months old by the time they reach kitchen counters. Homegrown garlic and shallots also allow you to choose from varieties that are rarely available in supermarkets, offering unique flavors that can transform your cooking.
Moreover, both garlic and shallots are known for their health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They have been shown to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory properties. By growing your own, you can ensure that these health benefits are maximized, as freshly harvested bulbs retain more nutrients than their store-bought counterparts.
Pro Tip: Avoid Planting Store Bought Garlic
While it might be tempting to plant garlic cloves from the grocery store, there are several compelling reasons to opt for seed garlic from a reputable nursery or garden center instead:
Risk of Disease
Garlic from the grocery store may carry diseases, which can be introduced to your garden soil. These diseases might not affect the garlic in your pantry but can devastate garlic crops and other plants in your garden. Purchasing garlic intended for planting ensures that it is disease-free and safe for your garden.
Adaptation to Local Climate
Garlic sold in grocery stores often comes from regions with very different climate conditions than Central Texas. This garlic might not be suited to the local growing conditions, which can result in poor yields or failure to thrive. Seed garlic, on the other hand, can be selected based on varieties known to perform well in your specific gardening zone.
Treated to Inhibit Sprouting
Grocery store garlic is often treated with growth inhibitors to prevent it from sprouting on the shelf, which can extend its shelf life but makes it less viable for planting. These treatments can reduce the garlic's ability to grow robustly and produce a healthy crop.
Lack of Variety
Store-bought garlic usually offers limited variety, often only the most commercially viable types. When you buy garlic from a gardening source, you can choose from a wider range of varieties, including those with unique flavors, colors, and other desirable traits that are not typically available in stores.
Choosing to plant garlic from a source that specializes in garden-ready varieties not only enhances the likelihood of a successful harvest but also contributes to the biodiversity and resilience of your garden.
My hubby holding a harvest of shallot scapes from our front garden.
Maximize Your Harvest: Eat Your Garlic or Shallot Scapes
A scape is the flower stalk that sprouts from the bulb of hardneck garlic varieties. As the garlic plant matures in the spring, these stalks begin to emerge, usually forming a distinctive curl as they grow. Scapes are long, green, and tender, with a bulbous flower head at the tip, which, if left unharvested, would eventually bloom into flowers and then produce seeds.
Garlic scapes are harvested before the flower buds open, typically in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate. This practice not only prevents the garlic plant from diverting its energy into flower and seed production but also encourages the development of a bigger and more flavorful garlic bulb underground.
Culinary wise, garlic scapes are known for their mild garlic flavor, less intense than the garlic cloves themselves, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. They can be used raw or cooked, adding a subtle garlic punch to dishes such as pestos, stir-fries, pickles, and dips. In terms of texture, they are crisp and can be likened to asparagus when cooked. Their unique shape and mild taste make garlic scapes a cherished seasonal delicacy for chefs and home cooks alike.
Close up shot of a beautiful garlic scape
HARVESTING AND USING GARLIC OR SHALLOT SCAPES
Garlic and shallot scapes are the flower stalks that emerge from the bulbs of hardneck garlic and some types of shallots. These scapes are not only edible but highly prized for their mild garlic or onion flavor, which can add a gourmet touch to a variety of dishes. Here’s how to harvest and make the most of these delightful garden extras:
WHEN TO HARVEST: The key to harvesting scapes is timing. For garlic, the scapes begin to curl as they grow; it’s best to cut them off once they make one or two loops but before they straighten out. This stage usually occurs in the late spring or early summer, depending on your local climate. For shallots, the scapes can be harvested when they are tall enough to use—typically when they are about 8 to 12 inches long.
Harvesting scapes helps the plant focus its energy on bulb development rather than flower production, potentially resulting in larger garlic and shallot bulbs at the end of the season.
HOW TO HARVEST: To harvest scapes, simply cut the stem near the base where it emerges from the leaves using scissors or a sharp knife. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant. The process is quick and easy, and regular harvesting can encourage more robust growth in the bulbs below.
CULINARY USES FOR SCAPES: Garlic and shallot scapes are versatile in the kitchen. They can be used fresh or cooked, and their mild flavor makes them a perfect addition to dishes where you want a hint of garlic or onion without overpowering other flavors. Here are a few ways to use them:
Pesto: Blend scapes with olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese to make a delicious pesto that can be used on pasta, bread, or as a marinade.
Stir-Fries: Chop the scapes and toss them into stir-fries in the last few minutes of cooking for a crisp, fragrant addition.
Pickles: Pickle scapes as you would cucumbers to create a crunchy, flavorful treat.
Grilling: Toss whole scapes with a bit of oil and salt, and grill them until they are tender and slightly charred.
Soups and Sauces: Mince scapes and add them to soups, stews, or sauces for a subtle garlic flavor.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC SCAPES: Can throw in fridge or freezer to use in soups, frittatas and more!
STORING GARLIC SCAPES AND SHALLOT SCAPES:
If you can’t use all your harvested scapes at once, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. For longer storage, scapes can be blanched and frozen, or pickled and kept for several months.
Incorporating the harvesting and use of garlic and shallot scapes into your gardening and culinary practices not only maximizes the yield from your garden but also adds new flavors and textures to your home-cooked meals. Whether you’re garnishing a dish or making a batch of scape pesto, these garden treats provide a unique and delicious benefit of growing garlic and shallots in your garden.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing garlic and shallots in Central Texas is a rewarding endeavor. Their adaptability to the local climate, ease of cultivation, and the superior flavor and health benefits they offer make them outstanding additions to your garden. Garlic, in particular, is known for being exceptionally easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance once established. By integrating garlic and shallots into your planting calendar, you not only enrich your culinary palette but also enhance your diet with nutrient-rich, homegrown produce.
The Seed Sage occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process here.
SEASONAL, GARDEN-TO-PLATE RECIPES
Gardening in Central Texas, specifically in zones 8b and 9, presents a unique opportunity for growing a variety of flavorful and healthful crops. Among these, garlic and shallots stand out as excellent choices for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here’s why you should consider adding these culinary staples to your garden.