At a Glance
Garlic , aculinary stapleand medicinal marvel , holds a prominent stead in kitchens andgardens worldwide . If you ’re eager to venture on the rewarding journey of grow your own Allium sativum , understanding how to plant garlic heads is all-important . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with step - by - step instructions , tips , and insights to ensure a giving harvest .
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
The first step in planting garlic heads is selecting the right variety . Hardneck garlic , known for its large cloves and acute flavor , is well - suit for colder climate . Softneck garlic , with smaller cloves and amilder taste , thrive in warmer region . Choose smorgasbord that are recommended for your specific growing zone .
Preparing the Soil
Garlic favor well - drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . Amend the soil withorganic affair , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drain . Avoid planting in area that have been treated with herbicide or pesticides latterly .
Breaking Down the Garlic Head
Separate the garlic head intoindividual cloves . Discard any damaged orbruised cloves . habituate thelargest clovesfor planting , as they bring about the largest bulbs .
Planting the Cloves
Plant thegarlic cloves pointy sideup , about 2inches deepand 6 inch aside . outer space the rows about 12 inch aside . shroud the Eugenia caryophyllatum with dirt and press down gently .
Watering
Water thegarlic bottom deeplyafter planting . Avoid overwatering , as ail is susceptible to root rot . water supply on a regular basis , especially during dry spells .
Mulching
disperse a level of mulch , such as straw or shredded leaves , around thegarlic plants . Mulch helps continue moisture , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature .
Fertilizing
Fertilize the garlic plants once a calendar month with a balanced plant food . Avoid using fertilizers withhigh atomic number 7 content , as this canpromote excessive foliage growthat the expense of bulb growth .
Harvesting
Garlic is ready to harvest when thetops startto wrench yellow and browned . Dig up thebulbs carefullyand allow them to dry in a ardent , well - ventilated placefor several weeks .
Overwintering
Incolder climates , garlic must be overwintered . dilute off the top of the bulbs and salt away them in a nerveless , ironical placeat temperatures between 32 ° F and 40 ° degree Fahrenheit .
Troubleshooting
Questions You May Have
Q : What is the good time to plant Allium sativum heads?A : Fall is theideal timetoplant garlic headsin most climates , as the cloves have time toestablish rootsbefore the frigid weather sets in . Q : How deep should I plant garlic cloves?A : About 2inches deep , with thepointy sideup . Q : How far aside should I space garlic cloves?A : About 6 inches aside , with row 12 inches aside . Q : Can Iplant ail clovesfrom the grocery store?A : Yes , but it ’s best to use certify disease - free clove for optimum results . Q : How long does it take to grow garlic?A : Garlic takesabout 6 - 8 months to age , depend on the potpourri and arise conditions .
