Harvest time will be celebrated with a Garlic Festival September 18 and 19, 2010, in Olde Mistick Village at Exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, Connecticut.

And, it’s no surprise that local farmers will offer their freshly harvested garlic for sale! But, as they say on television, that’s not all! There’ll also be lots of garlic-based food items and garlic kits, Road Trips Gardeners, so you can start growing your own garlic at home.

Garlic is planted in the fall (just as daffodil bulbs are), and the variety which grows best in Connecticut is the German Hardneck. In June, the scapes (bud and stem) are cut to allow the bulb to develop to its maximum size. At harvest time in autumn, the bulbs of garlic are dug from the ground and dried for two weeks in a hot and dry environment. The bulbs can then be stored in a cool, dry place and used over the next several months.

Did you know that this flavorful food seasoning has medicinal qualities? Many think it acts as an antibiotic; to prevent hardening of the arteries; as a digestive aid, and can lower blood pressure.

Garlic Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Admission is free.