Planting garlic in the fall promises a healthy crop the following spring. If you properly prepare and care for it, it will not be long before you can reap great, fat, flavorful garlic bulbs. Garlic does very well when started out in cooler weather, as the plant has time to establish roots before the winter freeze. Here is where this article will give you all you need to know about choosing the variety, preparing the soil, and having your garlic bulbs ready in time for an easy time during the cold period.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Grow Garlic
The best time for planting garlic is during fall due to the fact that this plant requires a cold dormancy. Cooler temperatures develop well-rooted bulbs before frost and when spring starts, so does new sprouting. This very early start will give the garlic the chance to mature much earlier if it was planted in spring, while giving bigger and healthier bulbs. As compared to spring planting, the garlic will usually have better yields and larger cloves.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
1.Choosing Varieties of Garlic to Grow
To grow garlic, varieties that will thrive in your climate should be chosen. The two major types include:
- Hardneck garlic: This will be more tolerant to winter, forming larger cloves with a typical central stalk that does especially well in cold climates. Popular varieties include 'Rocambole' and 'Purple Stripe'.
- Softneck garlic: Sweet garlic, suitable for warmer weather conditions produces smaller, numerous cloves. Varieties such as the 'California White' has great keeping qualities.
If you want something quite a bit different, try Elephant garlic. It has huge bulbs, and is quite mild.
2. Prepare the Soil
Garlic prefers well-draining, loose soil high in organic matter. Here's how you can prepare it to ideal growing conditions:
- Amend the soil: Prepare the soil by mixing compost, well-rotted manure, or organic fertilizers such as bone meal or wood ash to improve fertility.
- Check the pH: Soil pH for this orchard should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime to raise and sulfur to lower, if necessary.
- Loosen the Soil: The soil should be loose, well-tilled, and to a depth of at least 12 inches. This will allow the garlic plant roots to grow straight and establish themselves well before winter.
3. Planting Garlic
Plant garlic cloves about 6 weeks in advance of ground freeze. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Separate the Cloves: Gently separate the cloves from the head of garlic, but do not remove the papery wrapper covering the cloves. Only plant the largest and healthiest cloves.
- Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant each clove 2-3 inches deep, pointed end up in the ground. Cloves should be spaced 4-6 inches apart in each row. Rows should be set about 12 inches apart.
- Mulch Over: Spread a thick layer of straw, leaves, or other organic mulch in a layer 4-6 inches deep over the set garlic to insulate the soil. That is how frost and further moisture will be retained within it.
4. Water and Winter Care
Immediately after planting, water the garlic well, making sure the soil is moist right through and at no time swampy. Garlic will be in a dormant stage during winter. Very little care will be required; however, during excessively dry spells of winter, if you happen to live in a very dry area, once in a while check the soil and water lightly.
Mulch around the garlic bulbs to protect them through winter. Thick layers of mulch insulate the soil and prevent weeds from growing in spring.
5. Spring Care and Harvesting
When the weather warms up during spring, garlic will begin to emerge. At this stage, one can remove some of the mulch to allow air circulation. Garlic should be kept moist, not waterlogged, by frequent irrigation. Garlic is normally ready towards the end of early to mid-summer when some of the lower leaves start showing yellow color and begin dying back.
Carefully work the garlic in with a fork to avoid bruising the bulbs. Dry or 'cure' your garlic by hanging bulbs in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks, usually 2 to 3. When garlic is fully dried, you can trim the roots and remove any loose outer skin in preparing the garlic for storage.
Bonus Tips for a Successful Garlic Harvest
Crop rotation: Change the seasonality of the crop to avoid the soil-borne diseases. Garlic grows well if the same area is not necessarily being planted with garlic every season. You have to strategize for at least three-year rotation by replanting other varieties of non-allium crops in that area. This will keep the soil rejuvenated; hence, it will avoid diseased conditions.
That is companion planting at its best: Garlic has, within the bulbs, some natural pesticides to ward off many pests. Aphids and spider mites-even some larger garden pests-are going to keep away from the smell of garlic, making it an excellent plant next to tomatoes or roses.
Garlic must have light fertilization around early spring. Application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer will go a long way in ensuring that your garlic gets all the crucial nutrients during the most sensitive period of growth.
Finally, watch for insects that could readily wipe out the crop, such as onion thrips and root maggots. Neem oil or insecticidal soap application can control the crop if it is found early enough. Regular inspection will help you detect problems before they get serious.
FAQs
When is the best time to plant garlic in the fall?
The ideal time to plant garlic is about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost. This gives the bulbs time to establish roots before winter sets in, typically between late September and early November, depending on your region.
What type of garlic should I plant in fall?
Hardneck varieties are recommended for cooler climates as they are more winter-hardy, while softneck varieties are best suited for warmer regions. Elephant garlic, though technically not a true garlic, is also an option with large bulbs and a milder flavor.
How deep should I plant garlic cloves?
Garlic cloves should be planted about 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Ensure that the soil is loose and well-drained to allow for healthy root development.
How much mulch should I use after planting garlic?
A thick layer of mulch, about 4-6 inches deep, is essential for protecting garlic bulbs from frost and fluctuating winter temperatures. Straw, leaves, or other organic materials work well as mulch.
How long does it take for garlic to grow?
Garlic planted in the fall will typically be ready for harvest in early to mid-summer, around 7-9 months after planting. The exact timing depends on the variety and growing conditions.
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