To plant garlic, break bulblets apart and plant each clove, root-end downward, about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep in cultivated soil. Cover each drill with soil and water well. Spear-like leaves soon will appear, followed by flower stalks. Seeding may be prevented by twisting the stalk downward and covering it with earth. Each bulb multiplies during the growing season, producing highly flavored segments called cloves.
Some varieties have a reddish sheath.
Garlic and roses benefit each other in the garden. Garlic is a natural pest deterrent that repels aphids. It helps tomatoes, cabbage, and eggplant. If garlic is near peas or beans, however, it inhibits growth. Garlic itself has no pests or diseases.