Washington County Master Gardeners to host program ‘All About Garlic’

The Washington County Master Gardeners are hosting a free program on “All About Garlic” on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington County Extension meeting room.

Ellen Johnston, a longtime organic gardener who is currently working with heirloom seeds, will share information on growing, storing, and using garlic. Garlic is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium, with close connections to onions, leeks, chives and shallots. You’ll learn when to plant, how to prepare the bulbs and garlic beds, harvest and storage, garlic varieties, as well as the culinary and medical uses of this incredible bulb.

Ellen has been interested in nutrition and growing healthy food for over 50 years. She recently moved back to Iowa from the west coast to start a new episode in her life by purchasing a small farm. In addition to seed garlic and many vegetables, she also grows heirloom oats and alfalfa. She sells her produce at both the Kalona and Washington Farmers Markets.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information on the program or the Washington County Master Gardner group, please contact the Extension Office at 319-653-4811.