Allium sativum 'Bianco Veneto'

Given a fertile, sunny site, garlic, Allium sativum, is easy to grow, bearing large, strong-flavoured bulbs that will last well into autumn. There are two basic types to choose from: hardneck varieties generally produce larger bulbs and have a more intense 'garlicky' flavour than softneck varieties, but don't store as well.

Plant garlic in either spring or autumn – simply separate the cloves of the bulb and plant them individually at a depth of 5cm, spacing them 10cm apart. If you garden on heavier soils, it's worth planting garlic in raised beds, or stating the cloves off in modular trays first, to transplant at a later date.

Often sold as 'Venetian White', Allium sativum 'Bianco Veneto' has a strong flavour. Hailing from one of the coldest regions of Italy, this softneck variety does well in colder climates, and stores well.