What to know
Garlic , a various and flavorful bulb , is a staple fibre in many gardens . Planting garlic is a rewarding experience that can put up you with a bountiful harvest of reinvigorated , homegrown bulbs . As a migardener , it ’s all important to understand thespecific techniquesandconsiderations involvedin planting Allium sativum successfully . This comprehensive guide will take the air you through every stone’s throw of the process , see to it you domesticate a prosperous garlic piece .
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Selecting the right garlic potpourri is crucial for success . Softneck potpourri , such as ‘ Artichoke ’ and ‘ Silverskin , ’ are ideal for prospicient - term storage and milder climates . Hardneck varieties , like ‘ Rocambole ’ and ‘ Music , ’ grow larger bulbs and are more cold - hardy but have a shorter ledge life . Consider your climate , computer storage needs , andculinary preferenceswhen make your choice .
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefer well - enfeeble , on the loose filth with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend the grime with great deal of organic matter , such as compost or manure , to ameliorate fertility and drainage . Raised beds can be good in areas with pitiful drainage .
Selecting and Preparing the Cloves
pick out goodly , immobile garlic lightbulb that are free of disease and defect . Carefully classify the cloves from the bulb , leaving the papery tegument entire . Remove any discredited or diseased cloves .
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant ail cloves pointy side up , 1 - 2inches deepin the land . Space the cloves 4 - 6 in apart in rows that are 12 - 18 inches apart . This spacing allows forproper growthand prevent overcrowding .
Watering and Mulching
Water garlic deeply after imbed , specially in ironical conditions . retain watering regularly throughout the farm time of year , but avoid overwatering . Mulch around thegarlic plantswith straw , leaves , or compost to retain moisture , suppress weeds , and order dirt temperature .
Fertilizing
fecundate Allium sativum lightly once a calendar month during the grow time of year with a balanced fertilizer . obviate usingfertilizers highin nitrogen , as this can promote excessive leaf maturation at the expense of bulb ontogenesis .
Harvesting and Storage
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid - summer when thetops startto turn brown and buy the farm back . cautiously dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a ardent , well - ventilated areafor 2 - 3 weeks . Once dry , switch off off the tops and hive away the bulbs in a cool , dark place with estimable air circulation .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Information You Need to Know
Q : Can Iplant garlicin the spring?A : Yes , you canplant garlicin the bound , butfall plantingisgenerally preferredfor larger bulbs and better storage . Q : How long does it take for garlic to grow?A : Garlic select approximately6 - 8 month to get on from planting to harvest . Q : Can Igrow garlicin containers?A : Yes , garlic can be grown in container as long as theyprovide decent drainageand quad for the bulb to arise . Q : What are the benefits of planting garlic?A : Garlic is anutritious veg richin vitamin , minerals , and antioxidant . It has antibacterial andantiviral propertiesand is believed to hike resistant function . Q : How do Iprevent pestsand diseases in my garlic patch?A : exercise crop rotary motion , use disease - resistant varieties , andcontrol weedsto minimize plague and diseases .
