Planting and Growing Guide for Garlic (Allium sativum)
Description
Garlic is usually planted in cold weather for harvest in summer. Separate the individual cloves from the bulb) and plant with the apex pointing upwards. Bury them deep enough so that they are just covered with soil. Garlic are generally easy to grow, but take a long time to get to full-size bulbs. They can be grown in most soils, but do best in rich, well-drained soils. Adding broken down compost or well-rotted animal manures before planting helps improve the growth rate and size of the bulbs. Water regularly and do not allow the soil to dry out completely when the bulbs are forming. Cease watering when the tops brown off. Mulch well around the plants to keep the soil moist a nd to control weeds. You can keep bulbs at the end of the season for planting next year. Simply dry the bulbs and keep in a cool dry place.
Garlic has a long growing time, needing about 8 months to produce a bulb. Harvest the bulbs when the tops just start to turn brown, not later. Handle the bulbs gently as bruised bulbs will not store very well. Store in a cool dark place by hanging the entire plant up dry for about 2-3 weeks. Leave the bulb whole, as the separate cloves do not store well. But, remove the dead leaves and roots. Store the cleaned bulbs on racks, or in net bags, in cool dry areas with good ventilation.
Garlic has a wide range of uses. It can be baked, grilled, boiled, steamed, sautéed and used in stir fry dishes. Garlic is very nutritious. The young leaves and sprouts are also edible and much sought after for adding to salads, Italian and Asian dishes.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Plant cloves separated from the bulbs. Just cover with soil.
Space between plants: Space plants about about 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) apart. Space rows 20-40 cm (9 to 18 inches) apart
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 20 weeks, but young bulbs can be picked earlier
Hints:
- Does best in full sun. but need regular and consistent watering
- Add a layer of mulch around each plant to control weeds and keep the soil moist
- Prior to planting prepare the soil by mixing in well-rotted compost or manure or pellet fertiliser
- Feed regularly and keep the plants growing strongly without growth checks to improve the size, flavor and texture
- Apply some slow-release fertiliser at planting and again after three months
- Buy your bulbs from nurseries using named varieties. Do not plant the ones in supermarkets as they may carry diseases and may not grow well.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!