How to Plant Garlic: A Simple Guide for Beginners and Gardeners
If you’ve always wanted to plant yourself your own garlic then you’re not all on your own! Garlic is used in nearly every kitchen and is very easy to cultivate. If you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned gardener, growing garlic is simple and enjoyable. It is possible to grow it in the ground, in pots or even indoors! This guide will assist you to grow garlic in the correct method and provide you with guidelines for the most successful outcomes.
What You Need to Know About Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulb-growing plant that thrives best in colder climates. It’s closely related to onions, leeks and shallots. There are two types of garlic: soft neck and hard neck. Hard neck garlic has a smoky taste and is characterized by curly stalks of flowers while soft neck garlic has a longer shelf life and is more suited to warmer climates.
If you are planning to plant garlic, it is essential to choose the correct bulbs of garlic for planting. You can purchase garlic at the grocery store however it is better to purchase garlic specifically designed to be planted. It will produce more and be healthier!
When is the Best Time to Plant Garlic?
The timing is vital when planting garlic. The ideal timing to grow garlic during the autumn. It is recommended to plant it four to six weeks in advance of it getting the initial frost. This allows the garlic to develop strong roots before winter cold arrives. If you haven’t planted in autumn or live in a warmer region you may also plant garlic in the spring however, the bulbs could be smaller.
How to Plant Garlic
Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic
First, select healthy garlic bulbs to plant. They must be clean and free of signs of illness. The bigger the bulb the stronger it will grow. It is possible to buy garlic cloves to plant or buy organically certified garlic from your local grocery store.
Step 2: Prepare Your Soil
Garlic requires the soil to drain well. When the dirt is humid, the garlic bulbs could be rotting. Be sure that the soil is well-drained of organic matter, and free of plants. To aid the soil to improve, mix in manure or compost. This will provide your garlic with the nutrients it requires to develop strong.
When you plant your garlic, ensure that you dig an opening that’s 2-inches deep. The sharp side of the clove should face upwards. Place each clove of garlic about 4 – 6 inches away.
Step 3: Plant the Garlic Cloves
After cutting cloves of garlic in distinct cloves and planting one clove at a time with its pointed end. When you’re using a pot or container to grow garlic, make certain that the container is large enough to allow the garlic to develop properly. Make sure to water them thoroughly immediately after planting!
Step 4: Watering and Mulching
When the garlic is planted in the soil, you can water it thoroughly. After you have watered, place an even layer of mulch over it. Mulch keeps the soil hydrated and keeps the garlic safe during winter months. It also keeps plants from wilting.
Step 5: Caring for Your Garlic Plants
Garlic does not require much attention however, you must be sure that you keep it free of the weeds. They can rob you of the nutrients and water that garlic requires. It is important to water your garlic often However, too many gallons of water could cause your garlic to turn brown. In spring, you can mix in some fertilizer or compost to aid it in its efforts to develop stronger and bigger.
Companion Plants for Garlic
If you are looking to plant other vegetables in addition to garlic there’s wonderful alternatives. Garlic can be used with carrots, onions, and even lettuce. Garlic also helps keep pests such as snails and aphids out!
But, not every plant are suitable to be next to garlic. Peas and beans do not grow well alongside garlic since they require similar nutrients. It’s better to keep garlic far from peas and beans.
Why Fall Planting is Best for Garlic
Growing garlic in the fall is the most usual method of doing it. When you plant garlic during the colder months, it will have the chance to develop robust roots prior to the time when the temperatures turn cold. Garlic planted in autumn produces larger bulbs than garlic that is planted in spring.
How to Harvest Garlic
Garlic typically takes between 6 and 9 months to mature. Once the leaves begin to turn yellow, and then fall over, it’s the time to pick. Begin to gently loosen the soil using the garden fork and remove the garlic bulbs. Be careful not to damage the bulbs!
After you’ve picked the garlic, you’ll need to dry it. Keep your garlic out in a dry, cool location for a couple of weeks. The skin will then become firm and ready to be stored.
Extra Tips for Growing Garlic
- Garlic scapes: if you planted a hardneck garlic plant there will be curly stalks, also known as garlic scapes. These must be cut off so that the plant can concentrate on growing larger bulbs.
- Growing in containers In the event that you do not have any garden you can grow garlic in a container or pot. Make sure that the container has enough depth to allow the garlic space to expand.
Elephant garlic varieties develop into huge bulbs. It’s an interesting cultivar if you need something different.
Final Thoughts
Growing garlic is a great and easy method to spice up your dishes. If your garlic plants are in your container or the garden It’s easy to cultivate. With a little effort and the right time it will be ready to use throughout the year. Have fun gardening!