Winter is the off-season for gardeners, but this easy project will keep your green thumb in shape. When planted, garlic cloves sprout chivelike shoots that can be used as a seasoning or garnish. These greens yield a flavor that is gentler and subtler than chopped garlic, but stronger than chives.

Slightly submerge three or four garlic cloves in a pot containing soilless mix, and water lightly. Set pots in a sunny window, and in 7 to 10 days, you'll have garlic greens ready for snipping. To keep a steady supply on hand, plant new cloves every 2 to 3 weeks.