Three brown paper bags of garlic labeled “California Early White,” “German Red,” and “Music” sit on a table at the Ukiah Library, each with a few garlic bulbs displayed in front, bookshelves visible in background.
The Ukiah Main Branch Library is giving away garlic for cardholders to grow at home. (Ukiah Main Branch Library via Bay City News)

UKIAH, CA., 10/29/25 – The Ukiah Main Branch Library is giving away garlic cloves so Mendocino County residents can grow their own. 

According to the library, three varieties are available to cardholders: 

  • California Early White: An easy-to-grow softneck garlic with a mild flavor and excellent storage capability. Very adaptable with a high yield. 
  • German Red: A spicy, oniony garlic brought to America more than a century ago by German immigrants. Great for salsas. 
  • Music: A hardneck garlic that’s very flavorful and slightly spicy — perfect for garlic mashed potatoes. 

Now is the time to plant garlic, which can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or containers. The bulbs will be ready to harvest in summer. 

Garlic will be available while supplies last, with a limit of three bulbs per cardholder. 

Pick up garlic during business hours at the Ukiah Main Branch Library, 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. For more information, call (707) 463-4490 or visit mendolibrary.org/visit/ukiah. 

Sarah Stierch covers breaking news and more for The Mendocino Voice. Reach her at sarah@mendovoice.com.

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