77

Typically, the number 77 makes me think of a Trans Am.  It is a classic muscle car that was featured in the movie Smokey and the Bandit.  A gleaming black car with sleek lines and gold accents.  However, today, the number seventy-seven equals the number of cloves of garlic that are planted in Wright Gardens.  Nestled two inches beneath the surface of the soil, covered with a thin sheet of shredded leaves, which is then covered with a six-inch blanket of straw.  For those keeping count, this is seventeen more cloves than were planted last year.  Some garlic cloves were even planted within the main raised garden bed.

In addition to the same three varieties grown last year (Chet's Italian Red, Chesnok Red and Georgian Fire), a fourth variety has been planted - Spanish Roja.  This variety was purchased from Hood River Garlic and is organic seed garlic.

This description included with the garlic seed:

Spanish Roja - Rocambole hardneck variety.  Originating from the Pacific Northwest, in Portland, Oregon, makes this varietal a great choice for the Northwest and other wet winter climates.  Rocamboles are known for their rich, versatile flavor, that is more sweet than hot.  In U.S. taste tests, Spanish Roja is at the top of the charts.  A well rounded flavor either raw or cooked, an excellent choice for pesto and pasta dishes.  If curing period is prolonged, a greater storage life may be obtained.  6-11 cloves per bulb.  45-60 cloves per pound.  Late harvest.  Stores 6 months.  Recommended for zones 1-7.

Of the fifty-five garlic bulbs that were harvested this summer, even with sharing with family and friends, and setting aside four choice bulbs of each variety for planting, we have had plenty to use for cooking.  In fact, we still have several bulbs remaining that ought to last us for another month or so.  Next summer's harvest should bring us through the winter, which is what we're aiming for.

Kale, collard greens, leeks, and many herbs are still a vibrant green and growing in the garden.  Otherwise, all other spent plants have been removed from the garden bed.  Before the end of the week a layer of newspaper will be spread over the surface of the bed, and then a layer of mulch spread over the top of the newspaper.  This is meant to help smother weed seeds as well as simultaneously add nutrients to the soil.

Brussels sprouts: I love them but they won't likely be grown in Wright Gardens next season.  The reason for this decision is because the plants haven't grown compact sprouts.  Not anything close to resembling a tiny head of cabbage.  The plant itself (this year as well as last season) was strong and healthy, but no sprouts.  Sprout research is in order.  

Have fun planning your garden!