Signs of spring

The snow in the back yard is finally starting to recede and one of the first sure signs of spring has appeared: the first emerging garlic shoots. Garlic is one of our favorite crops to grow, and we grow several varieties. It is planted in mid-October here in St. Paul just after the first frost. We cover it with marsh hay to protect it from the sub-zero winter temperatures. We'll leave the hay in place as the garlic grows in order to reduce the competition from weeds. This year we have two separate garlic plantings in different areas of the garden, and hope it will serve to repel some insect pests.