Many people like garlic, and some even like to grow the stuff. There is a related crop in the onion family known as Elephant Garlic. Although it is not a true garlic, it is pungent and it is large, usually larger than the garlics.

Elephant garlic, as well as "regular" garlic, is fairly easy to grow at home, and without any toxic chemicals. The thing I like about growing Elephant Garlic is its ease of culture. Plant it in approximately mid-late October through November in a well dug, composted bed, with each clove about 2-4" deep, and about 6-8" apart in all directions. Cover with 4-8" thick hay mulch (preferably old hay with not-so-viable seeds) and you will see the green leaves appear in very late fall or early winter, in a mild or normal winter. As the winter progresses, the tops will die back in Missouri, possibly not as much in Arkansas. During the winter the roots may grow slightly during warmer periods, but save their real growth for spring. Depending on the weather, only one weeding might be needed in the fall, and only one more in the spring.

All of the onion family have health benefits and for those beginner gardeners looking for an easy crop to try, elephant garlic is one. A couple of pictures are attached showing how one can fill the entire palm of a hand.