How To Grow Garlic - An Easy Guide
Garlic is one of the easiest vegetables to grow…
Garlic Types: Hardneck, Softneck, and Elephant Garlic
Garlic is a great vegetable to grow for beginners, and there are three different types of garlic to choose from: hardneck, softneck, and elephant.
Hardneck garlic is the hardiest and most commonly grown in the North and Midwest. There are many varieties of hardneck garlic, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
Softneck garlic, on the other hand, is more mild in flavor and is typically found in grocery stores. Softneck garlic has a longer shelf life and is preferred by many shoppers.
Elephant garlic, although not technically a garlic, is often grouped with garlic. It produces only a few large cloves and is more similar to a leek.
Buying Garlic To Plant
To plant garlic, you will need to purchase complete heads and separate them into individual cloves for planting. The amount of garlic you will need depends on the space you have available.
It is important to avoid using grocery store garlic, as they are often not suited for the local climate and have been treated with chemicals for longer shelf life.
Garlic should be planted around 6 weeks prior to the ground freezing, which typically occurs in October in the North and Midwest regions after a frost or freeze.
Keep a close watch on the weather, as it may take some time for the ground to freeze.
Preparing to Plant
To prepare your soil for planting garlic, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches and add slow-release fertilizer.
Separate the garlic heads into individual cloves, leaving as much of the papery covering intact as possible, and discard any small bulbs as they will only produce tiny bulbs.
Plant each clove 3-4 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward, spacing them 2-4 inches apart. If planting in rows, they should be about a foot apart.
Water the soil gently but thoroughly to settle it, and then mulch heavily with several inches of straw or leaves. This will help keep the soil warm and allow the roots to establish before the soil freezes.
If planted too early or during a long, mild fall, garlic may sprout above the mulch, but they will be fine and won't really start growing until spring.
Caring For Garlic
After the last frost of spring, remove the mulch from the garlic, but be careful not to do so too early, as young garlic shoots cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
Garlic requires a lot of nitrogen, so apply a side dressing of blood meal or granular fertilizer in early spring and again in May when the days are warm and long.
Prevent weeds from taking hold, as they will compete with the garlic for nutrients. During the first couple of months of the growing season, ensure that the garlic receives sufficient moisture, but spring rains typically provide enough water for these low-maintenance vegetables.
In early summer, hardneck garlic will produce scapes, which are curled stalks that can eventually develop into flowers if left on the plant.
When the scapes become long and curled, trim them off and use them in stir-fries or as a substitute for spring onions. Removing the scapes directs all the plant's energy towards bulb production.
Harvesting Garlic
The most challenging aspect of growing garlic is the harvesting process. In the North and Midwest, garlic is typically ready to harvest in August, while warmer regions may see earlier harvest times.
You will notice the foliage beginning to yellow and wilt. Before the foliage dries up and falls over, take a sample bulb and check if the cloves inside are plump and full.
If they are not quite ready, leave the rest of the bulbs for a later harvest, but do not wait too long. Harvesting too early will result in thin and flimsy papery wrapping while harvesting too late will cause overlarge bulbs to split the paper skin. A well-developed skin without any tears will hold the garlic in storage better.
To harvest, carefully lift the garlic using a spade or fork instead of pulling it. Brush off the soil and spread the harvest out in a shady, dry spot with good air circulation for a couple of weeks to allow them to cure. Alternatively, you can bundle them in groups of 4 or 5 and hang them.
Once fully cured, the skin will be dry and papery, and the roots will also be dry. Remove the roots and dried foliage, and store the garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place for several months. Avoid storing garlic in a refrigerator or basement, as they tend to be too moist.
Finally
Growing garlic is a simple and rewarding process. With the right care and attention, you can grow flavorful garlic that will last for months.
Be sure to select your best bulbs for planting next fall and enjoy the fruits of your labor.