Answers to common questions about our garlic, farming practices, and ordering process.
Garlic bulbs are seasonal, typically harvested in summer. However, merchandise and dried products may be available year-round depending on inventory.
Yes! We participate in select events around the Finger Lakes region — follow us on social media or check our website for an updated schedule.
You can reach us through our contact form, email, or social platforms. We typically respond within 24–48 hours.
We specialize in heirloom garlic varieties grown using sustainable practices, with a focus on quality, flavor, and traceability from soil to shipment.
Yes! Our bulbs are untreated and suitable for planting — just choose a variety recommended for your climate.
Plant each clove 2–3 inches deep and about 6 inches apart for optimal spacing and growth.
The **Allium leaf miner** (*Phytomyza gymnostoma*) is a highly destructive pest that targets plants in the *Allium* genus—think garlic, onions, leeks, chives, and shallots. Originally native to Europe, it was first detected in the U.S. in 2015 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and has since spread across the northeastern states. ### 🪰 What It Is and How It Damages Crops The adult Allium leaf miner is a small fly that lays eggs in neat rows on the leaves of Allium plants. These puncture marks are the first visible signs of infestation. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel through the leaves and bulbs, causing: - **Stunted growth** - **Leaf distortion** - **Bulb damage** - **Rot and secondary infections** This damage can render crops unmarketable and lead to total crop loss, especially for organic growers who avoid synthetic pesticides. ### 🔄 Life Cycle & Timing There are typically **two generations per year**: - **Spring generation**: Emerges late March to late April - **Fall generation**: Emerges early September The pest overwinters in the pupal stage and enters a summer diapause before re-emerging. ### 🛡️ How to Protect Your Alliums Effective management requires a mix of strategies: - **Floating row covers or insect netting**: Prevent adult flies from laying eggs - **Plastic mulch**: Can deter egg-laying - **Spinosad-based sprays**: Approved for organic use - **Late planting**: For garlic, delaying fall planting until after the fall flight can reduce risk - **Monitoring**: Look for rows of white dots on leaves and use degree-day models to predict emergence ### 🌱 Why It Matters The Allium leaf miner poses a serious threat to both commercial and home growers. Its rapid spread and lack of natural predators in North America make it especially difficult to control. If you're growing garlic or onions, early detection and integrated pest management are key to keeping your crops safe. You can dive deeper into identification and control methods on [Gardener’s Path](https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/disease-and-pests/allium-leaf-miners/), [Cornell’s IPM Fact Sheet](https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/fact-sheets/allium-leafminer), or [Penn State Extension](https://extension.psu.edu/plant-garlic-late-to-avoid-allium-leafminer). Let me know if you’d like help building a seasonal planting calendar or pest monitoring guide!
Hardneck garlic has a firm central stalk and tends to produce garlic scapes. Softneck garlic stores longer and has a more flexible stem.
In most areas, garlic is planted in the fall (October–November) before the ground freezes. It requires a cold period to form robust bulbs.
Absolutely! Peel cloves and freeze in oil or puree. Scapes can be chopped and frozen raw for later use.
Properly cured garlic can last 3–6 months in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigeration, which can trigger sprouting.
Store whole bulbs in a breathable container at room temperature — mesh bags or ceramic garlic keepers work great.
This is a natural reaction caused by sulfur compounds. It's safe to eat, though intensity can vary based on cooking methods and garlic type.
Garlic confit or a creamy garlic chicken bake are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Both balance rich flavors with aroma.
Our favorites include aioli, chimichurri, and white bean-garlic dip. They highlight garlic’s bold flavors beautifully.
Slice off the top of a bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for 30–40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Try garlic scape pesto! Blend scapes with olive oil, nuts, and parmesan for a fresh, tangy spread or pasta sauce.
Absolutely! Just mark the order as a gift at checkout and include a custom message. We’ll take care of the wrapping.
Yes, we ship across the continental U.S. using eco-friendly packaging to preserve freshness and reduce impact.
Orders typically ship within 2–5 business days. You’ll receive tracking info as soon as it leaves our farm.
We adjust packaging and use insulated materials when needed to ensure your garlic stays fresh, even in summer.
Yes, if your garlic arrives damaged or spoiled, contact us within 5 days. We’ll make it right with a refund or replacement.
Merchandise and apparel can be returned in unused condition. Please refer to our returns page for instructions.
Send us an email with your order number and reason for the request. We’ll process most refunds within 3–5 business days.
We accept returns on unopened merchandise within 14 days of delivery. Perishables like garlic are typically non-returnable unless damaged.
Yes! Enter codes or gift card numbers at checkout. If you have trouble, reach out and we’ll be happy to help.
Sales tax is applied based on your shipping address and local regulations. It’s calculated at checkout automatically.
Definitely. Our site uses SSL encryption to protect your payment info and ensure secure transactions.
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay — all secured by encrypted checkout.
Yes! Just log into your account and visit the "Orders" section to view past purchases and status updates.
No — you can check out as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track orders, save favorites, and manage your profile.
Click “Forgot Password” on the login page, enter your email, and we’ll send a link to reset it securely.
Log into your account, navigate to “Profile Settings,” and edit your saved addresses or payment details.