It's infamous for its repugnant smell but this bulb is a cooking staple and has many uses in any kitchen. It's a perennial herb usually grown as an annual with long strappy, flat, grey-green leaves forming an edible bulb. It's a fairly tough, easy to grow full flavoured variety that's best suited to cooler climates in well-drained soil.

Pick the bulbs when the leaves turn yellow then leave them to dry out in a well-ventilated area before using. Garlic can be used to flavour a variety of dishes. It can be baked, boiled, sautéed or grilled. You can cut the growing shoots or use the entire young garlic plants as 'garlic greens' in stir-fry. The plant will thrive in either your garden bed or a large pot.