Every time I shovel the driveway this winter I think of the garlic that's planted by the garage. Last year I planted a couple dozen cloves. This year, nearly 100. I planted in late October and added a layer of leaves to protect the bed from temperature extremes. Right now, a hefty layer of snow adds even more insulation.

When will we see it come up? Tax day might be a little early, but in the spring of 2009 beautiful new garlic shoots were probably the first sign at our house that the green season was returning. I've included a shot from last year's test crop.

Note for Minnesota garlic lovers: The Minnesota Garlic Festival will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010, at the McLeod County Fairgrounds.