Garlic is a type of onion that can take up to 6 months before you start seeing results. The best time to plant garlic depends on your climate and the size of your garden, but when it comes to planting garlic in the fall, experts say this is not optimal because you will likely get fewer cloves per head than if planted in spring or summer
The “how deep to plant garlic” is a question that has been asked for a long time. There are many different ways to answer this question, but the best way is to go by the information on your seed packet. If you are planting in fall or winter, it’s best to plant them 4-6 inches deep.
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Garlic is a plant that all aspiring gardener should have since it is easy to cultivate, helpful in the kitchen, and good vampire repellant. Even though garlic is an easy plant to produce, there are several factors to consider when growing your own. Not only are there many sorts of garlic, but time and temperature are also important.
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Which garlic variety should you plant?
Hardneck and softneck garlic are the two varieties to consider. These have an effect on the plant’s capacity to grow, as well as the flavor and appearance of the harvest.
Hardneck garlic is notorious for producing long, twisting stems that must be clipped to allow the bulbs to continue to develop. This garlic type is also more suited to colder regions, therefore gardeners in such locations may prefer it. As a side note, the stems may also be utilized in cooking and are delicious in salads.
Softneck garlic, on the other hand, is recognized for being simple to store and preserve for extended periods of time.
When Should You Plant Garlic?
Despite the fact that garlic is one of the easiest crops to cultivate, many people fail to plant it at the right time of year.
So, when is the best time to grow garlic?
For the greatest results, garlic should be planted in the autumn, between October and December. The chilly temperature stimulates the clove to begin bulb formation for the next spring during this period. This should give you enough time to harvest your garlic in July. If you reside in a warmer region, you may also grow garlic in the spring, which will provide a crop the following year.
Garlic Planting Instructions
Avoid store types when purchasing bulbs since they are not well adapted to growing and are more vulnerable to decay and disease. Try looking for them online or at a local garden store, where you’ll have a larger range of bulbs to pick from.
Before you begin planting, choose a spot in your garden that receives direct sunshine. Toss the spot you’re planting in after that to allow for good drainage. After that, it’s only a matter of splitting apart your bulb, planting your cloves pointed side up, and spacing them about 6 inches apart. Cover them with dirt, leaving a little gap between each clove’s top and the top layer of earth.
Garlic is low-maintenance, but it’s a good idea to fertilize your patch before you start planting the cloves to help them develop.
Planting in module trays may allow the opportunity to store and transfer the plant around, which is an alternative for individuals in colder climes. Similarly, you may plant in a regular pot if you want, but be sure to leave at least 4 inches between them.
Garlic cultivation
When spring approaches, you should see branches emerging from the ground; they should be removed to allow the bulb to retain more energy for development. You may also encounter weeds that cover and affect bulbs, preventing sunlight, so keep an eye out and remove anything that is in the way.
Garlic, while very moderate care, requires watering every 3–5 days, particularly in hotter temperatures. Fertilizer is also crucial, with straw and grass clippings being excellent sources of nutrients. For more suggestions, see our guide here.
When Should You Harvest?
If you planted your garlic in the fall, it should be ready to harvest in the summer, around July or August. The leaves at the bottom of the stem will begin to develop a light yellow or brown tint, indicating that they are mature. A excellent bulb is one that doesn’t have a thin skin or isn’t torn apart, since the latter makes them disease-prone.
Harvesting is a straightforward process that involves carefully taking them out of the ground, ideally with a garden fork, and drying them in the shade. Make careful to remove any residue or dirt from the ground, cut the leaves, and air them out in a tray or hang them out to dry.
Garlic Storage
After allowing your garlic to dry for a couple of weeks, you should notice that the outer peel is crispy and brittle. Remove the roots, crowns, and any unclean outer layers, then keep them away from the sun in a cold, dry spot. It’s crucial to keep the garlic free from moisture, so avoid wet areas and refrigerators.
Garlic may be preserved properly for a long time, even until the following harvest. If you’re planning to replant, have your biggest bulbs ready to go once Autumn arrives.
Growing Garlic: Common Problems
Garlic rust is a fungal disease that typically infects garlic plants and, if left untreated, can destroy the bulb. Rust is distinguished by little yellow spots on foliage or flowers. It’s tough to get rid of garlic rust once it’s established, but pruning off affected foliage may help the bulb recover.
White rot, on the other hand, is a more serious problem to watch out for. White rot, which is luckily uncommon, is transmitted by diseased plants in the same ground and may make a whole patch uninhabitable.
White rot is difficult to detect since it is suggested by yellow leaves, which is to be anticipated of a developing garlic plant. The only method to tell whether a bulb has white rot is to lift it up and look for a white fungus on the bottom.
Last Thoughts
Garlic is one of the most accessible plants for a beginning gardener, as well as one of the easiest to care for and maintain. There is a lot of joy to be gained from growing garlic; it is full of taste and is often used in the kitchen, so you will immediately find a purpose for it. Try your hand at growing carrots or tomatoes if you’re interested in starting your own tiny garden.
When is the best time to plant garlic? In general, it is recommended that you plant garlic in spring. If you live in a warmer climate, then you can wait until early fall and plant your garlic bulbs outside. Reference: when to plant garlic in spring.
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