Did you know that garlic cloves aren’t the only edible part of the pungent plant?

 

In addition to scapes, another tasty option is garlic greens. These grow from cloves or bulbis that are planted in soil. They are ready early on, about three weeks into the development of the plant.

 

Debbie Barnhart, a director with the Haliburton County Garlic Growers Association, wants to engage more people when it comes to learning about growing garlic for themselves. 

 

The Windowsill Garlic project is intended to do just that—and raise some money for the association’s ongoing education programs. It launched in January and half the windowsill plants have sold since then.

 

“It’s something that can be done in a small space,” said Barnhart, who also heads up educational initiatives for the association. “With greens, you can still have all the flavour and the nutrients.”

 

She included information about windowsill garlic in the first edition of the association’s newsletter and mentioned the idea to some women in Minden. Soon she had requests for plants coming her way.

 

“It’s really caught on,” she said.

 

About 8-10 cuttings can be obtained from one plant, said Barnhart. They can be used in omelettes and potato dishes, for example.

 

They make great gifts and Barnhart plans to market it as year-round garlic.

 

“Once it’s worn out, you don’t just throw away what’s in the pot. You pull the bulb out, chop it up, eat that and hopefully you’ve started another pot,” she said.

 

The windowsill plants can be bought for $3.50 from the association. They are also being sold at Abbey Gardens. Barnhart can provide a demo to those who want a plant.

She is currently working on developing some children’s garlic programming with Abbey Gardens.

 

“We want to start immersing people in the fact it’s locally grown, it’s fun and doesn’t have to be complicated.”

 

To buy a windowsill plant, call Barnhart at 705-489-3987 or email barnhartdebbie@gmail.com.