What to know
Growing Allium sativum at home is a rewarding andsatisfying experience . With the right proficiency and a little TLC , you cancultivate plump , flavorful garlic bulbsin your own garden . This comprehensive picture guidebook will walk you through every footmark of the process , from choose the right variety to harvest and storing your garlic .
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step togrowing garlicis take the right variety . There are two main types of ail : hardneck and softneck . Hardneck varieties produce a exclusive , central stalkwith cloves fix up around it . They are recognise for theirstrong flavorand foresightful storage life story . Softneck variety produce multiple cloves without a central chaff . They have a milder relish and shorter storage life .
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well - drained , loamy soilwith a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 . Before planting , improve the soil with compost or manure toincrease fertility . Remove any careen or debris that could interfere with root growth .
Planting Garlic
Step 1 : split up the ClovesGently separate thegarlic clovesfrom the bulb . ward off break the cloves , as this can reduce their viability . Step 2 : Choose Healthy ClovesSelect only healthy , loyal clovesfor planting . Discard any clove that are soft , bruised , or diseased . Step 3 : direct the Cloves UpPlant the Allium sativum cloves root - end down , about 1 - 2inches deepand 6 - 8 inch apart . Point thepointy endof the clove upwards . stone’s throw 4 : Cover with SoilCover thegarlic cloveswith soil andgently firmit down . Water the territory thoroughly .
Watering and Fertilizing
Garlic require steady watering , especially during theearly stagesof growth . piddle the soil deeply and grant it to dry out more or less before water again . Fertilize garlic once a calendar month with a balanced fertilizer .
Mulching
Mulching aroundgarlic plants helpsto conserve wet , suppress weeds , and regularise soil temperature . Use a layer of chaff , chopped leaves , or compost to mulch around the plants .
Pest and Disease Control
Garlic is generally a sturdy plant , but it can be susceptible to pesterer and diseases . rough-cut pests admit aphids , thrip , andonion flies . coarse diseases let in white-hot buncombe and botrytis . Practice practiced sanitization and harvest revolution to forbid problem .
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is quick to glean when theleaves startto change by reversal brown and the bulb have shape . cautiously dig up the incandescent lamp with agarden forking . Brush off any excess soil and countenance the bulb to dry in a warm , well - ventilate areafor 2 - 3 week .
Storing Garlic
storehouse ail in a nerveless , moody , and well - ventilate place . Keep the medulla in a mesh bag or ashallow boxto allowair circulation . Garlic can be store for up to 6 month .
Wrapping Up
Growing ail is arewarding experiencethat can provide you with a delicious and nutritive craw . By follow thesteps outlinedin this guidebook and using the accompanying impression as a reference , you cansuccessfully cultivate garlicin your own garden . bask the yield of your labor and savor the flavors of homegrown garlic !
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q : What is the best time to engraft garlic?A : Garlic istypically plantedin the capitulation , about 4 - 6 weeks before the first difficult frost . Q : How deep should I plant ail cloves?A : Plant garlic clovesabout 1 - 2inches deepand 6 - 8 inch apart . Q : How often should I water garlic?A : Water Allium sativum on a regular basis , peculiarly during theearly stagesof growth . Allow the soil to dry out more or less before irrigate again . Q : What arecommon pestsand disease of garlic?A : Common pest include aphids , thrip , andonion flies . vulgar diseases let in whitened decomposition and botrytis . Q : How can Iprevent pestsand diseases in my garlic crop?A : Practice good sanitation andcrop rotationtoprevent problem . Usecompanion plantingto deter plague .
