Garlic is one of the most fantastic crops we can grow in our vegetable gardens, and this video shows you how to grow garlic at home or at your allotment and enjoy a huge harvest from it! Growing garlic is easy, requires little maintenance and is highly-productive, and autumn and winter are the perfect time to plant garlic. You will learn the different types of garlic, the best time to plant garlic, dealing with garlic issues, when to harvest garlic, how to cure garlic, becoming self sufficient in garlic and lots more!
Video timestamps:
Introduction 0:00
3 Things You Must Know 0:04
When to Plant Garlic 0:29
The Different Garlic Types 0:54
Prepping the Bed 2:13
How to Plant Garlic 2:27
Easy Way to Increase Yields 3:04
After Planting Care 3:40
Garlic Disease & Control 3:58
Garlic Watering Tip 4:58
The Different Garlic Harvests 5:10
Best Crop to Plant After Garlic 6:00
How To Cure Garlic 6:22
Additional Garlic Storage Idea 7:11
Being Self Sufficient in Garlic 7:24
How to Grow Garlic: Simple Steps for HUGE Yields
Garlic is a versatile and flavorful crop that can be easily grown in your own backyard. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the essential steps to successfully grow garlic and achieve bountiful yields. In this article, we will explore the different categories of garlic, the ideal planting time, the varieties to choose from, planting techniques, maintenance tips, and harvesting and storage methods. Get ready to embark on your garlic-growing journey and enjoy the satisfaction of homegrown garlic!
1. Understanding Different Categories of Garlic
Before diving into the garlic-growing process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the different categories of garlic. Garlic can be broadly classified into three types: hardneck garlic, softneck garlic, and elephant garlic.
1.1 Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic varieties are known for their larger cloves and robust flavor. They are generally more suitable for cooler climates. Additionally, hardneck garlic produces garlic scapes, which are the flowering stems that should be removed to direct the plant's energy towards bulb development.
1.2 Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic varieties, although having smaller cloves, tend to offer a greater number of cloves per bulb. They are better suited for warmer climates and have a longer shelf life compared to hardneck garlic. Softneck garlic does not produce garlic scapes.
1.3 Elephant Garlic
Elephant garlic, with its large cloves, is often treated as a perennial crop. While not covered in this guide, it is worth noting as a distinct garlic variety.
2. Ideal Time for Planting Garlic
Timing is crucial when it comes to planting garlic to ensure optimal growth and abundant yields. It is recommended to plant garlic cloves between mid-October and mid-December. Planting earlier may result in excessive growth susceptible to cold winters, while planting later risks underdeveloped bulbs.
2.1 Avoiding Cold Winters
To protect your garlic plants from the harshness of winter, it is crucial to consider the timing of planting. By aiming to get your garlic in the ground before December, you increase the chances of establishing a strong crop.
2.2 Optimal Planting Window
By planting within the mid-October to mid-December timeframe, you provide your garlic cloves with ample time to establish root systems before winter sets in. This sets the stage for robust growth in the following spring.
3. Choosing the Right Garlic Varieties
When it comes to selecting garlic varieties for your garden, understanding the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic is key. Let's explore the characteristics of each category.
3.1 Hardneck Garlic Varieties
Hardneck garlic varieties are known for their larger cloves and distinct flavor profiles. If you live in a cold climate, such as zone eight, hardneck garlic is a suitable choice due to its hardiness. Remember to remove the garlic scapes to redirect energy towards bulb development.
3.2 Softneck Garlic Varieties
Softneck garlic varieties, despite having smaller cloves, offer greater quantities per bulb. They are better suited for warmer climates and have a longer shelf life. Softneck garlic doesn't produce scapes, but its flavor and versatility make it a popular choice among gardeners.
4. Planting Garlic for Optimal Growth
Proper planting techniques play a crucial role in ensuring healthy garlic growth and maximizing your yield. Let's delve into the essential steps to follow when planting garlic.
4.1 Soil Preparation
Prepare the soil by clearing the area of any existing vegetation or weeds. Garlic prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Enrich the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter.
4.2 Diagonal Offset Planting Pattern
To make the most of limited space, consider utilizing a diagonal offset planting pattern. This arrangement allows for increased plant density, maximizing the use of every square inch. By doing so, you create more room for other crops as well.
4.3 Planting Technique
Plant the garlic cloves by making holes around 5 to 6 centimeters (a couple of inches) deep. Place the cloves with the pointy end facing upwards and the wider base downwards. Space the cloves approximately 7 to 10 centimeters (three to four inches) apart to provide enough room for bulb development.
5. Maintenance Tips for Healthy Garlic Plants
Once your garlic cloves are planted, it's important to provide proper care and maintenance throughout their growth cycle. Follow these tips to ensure healthy and robust garlic plants.
5.1 Providing Adequate Spacing
Garlic plants require adequate spacing to allow for optimal growth and airflow. By providing enough room between each plant, you minimize the risk of diseases and promote healthy development.
5.2 Watering Requirements
Garlic plants generally require consistent moisture levels, especially during dry spells or periods of extended heat. Aim to provide approximately 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
5.3 Dealing with Weeds and Diseases
Regularly inspect your garlic plants for any signs of weeds, pests, or diseases. Hand hoeing or using an oscillating hoe can effectively tackle weeds. In case of diseases like white rot or rust, take preventive measures such as avoiding the same planting location for garlic and spreading out your garlic beds.
6. Harvesting and Storing Garlic
The moment of harvesting garlic is an exciting time for any gardener. To ensure optimal flavor and storage longevity, it's important to know when and how to harvest and store your garlic bulbs.
6.1 Determining the Right Time to Harvest
Garlic is usually ready for harvest when approximately 50% of the leaves have turned brown, typically in late June to early or mid-July, depending on the season. However, you can enjoy green garlic, which is harvested earlier in late April to May, for a milder garlic flavor.
6.2 Drying and Curing Garlic
To prepare your garlic bulbs for storage, you need to dry and cure them properly. Start by drying the plants with leaves intact in the sun for a day. Then, move them to a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area like a shed or garage. Allow the bulbs to cure for four to six weeks, ensuring they are fully dried.
6.3 Proper Garlic Storage
Once the garlic is cured, trim the leaves, leaving about 3 to 5 centimeters (one to two inches) above the bulb. Store the bulbs in a cool, dark, and airy place. Softneck garlic can store for approximately 9 to 12 months, while hardneck garlic has a shelf life of about 4 to 6 months. Alternatively, you can explore preservation methods like fermentation or making honey garlic for longer storage durations.
FAQs
- Can I plant garlic in early October? While garlic planting is typically recommended between mid-October to mid-December, early October can still be suitable in some regions. However, planting too early may expose the cloves to excessive growth before winter, potentially affecting their development.
- How do I prevent diseases like white rot in my garlic plants? To prevent diseases like white rot, avoid planting garlic in the same location for at least three to four years. Additionally, consider spreading out your garlic planting across different areas of your garden to minimize the risk of infection.
- Can I grow both hardneck and softneck garlic varieties in my garden? Absolutely! Growing both hardneck and softneck garlic varieties allows you to enjoy the unique flavors and characteristics of each. By considering your climate and preferences, you can cultivate a diverse garlic harvest.
- How do I know when to harvest garlic? The bottom 50% of garlic leaves turning brown is a reliable indicator that the bulbs are ready for harvest. Typically, this occurs in late June to early or mid-July, depending on the growing season and your specific location.
- How long can I store garlic? Softneck garlic can be stored for around 9 to 12 months when stored properly. Hardneck garlic has a slightly shorter storage life of approximately 4 to 6 months. Ensure you store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space for optimal longevity.
In conclusion, growing garlic is a rewarding and relatively low-maintenance endeavor that can yield bountiful results. By understanding the different garlic varieties, optimal planting techniques, and effective maintenance practices, you can cultivate a thriving garlic crop. From selecting the right cloves to harvesting and storing your garlic bulbs, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your harvest. So roll up your sleeves, get your garlic cloves in the ground at the right time, and embark on a flavorful journey of growing your own garlic.
Video source: Huw Richards / Youtube
I’ve never heard of honey garlic. Thanks for educating me. I’m going to give it a try!
Thank you!
Huw, I’ve planted my garlic in mid October. Already it has put up shoots. I thought I wouldn’t see anything til spring. Have I done anything wrong? What shall ido?
Honey garlic is my winter medicine. Haven't been sick in YEARS!!! An apple a day keeps the doctor away. An apple, and a clove of garlic, keeps him WAY away!
Great
Absolutely love your series – the best I believe on Youtube, and I’m a TV director by trade.Can you tell me the best place to buy hard & soft neck sets from? Maybe even elephant?
Did I miss any extra info about elephant garlic?
Your planting times are completely incorrect.
Think about the world when you make a video.
So this video was unhelpful to me from the start.
Speak seasons Not months
Green part of garlic we use as we using garlic it self first using green leaves and then when garlic ready use that. in Mediterranean and Italian kitchen. And you can wash dry slice green leaves ASN in a bag add in freezer and simply you frozen as garlic flavouring your food. It will not freeze as block.
Greetings from Cork, Ireland! Glad I watched this video because I am just about to go out and plant some garlic and that diagonal planting suggestion is great, thanks! I'll try that. Brilliant video all round, lots of other great info that I wished I'd known last year 😀
Just saw a scientific paper where they talked about white rot. It seems it can survive in the soil for over 10 years without hostplant. This means quite some time without allium in the garden.
Amazing video yet again! Just couldn’t find the answer i was looking for, planted mine around early/mid November and the shoots have gone crazy. Some of the leaves have started to go a yellow sort of colour in the past few days, any ideas what it could be? First time ever planting garlic and in fresh soil. Thanks in advance!
Use a cordless drill with a 7/8" paddle bit taped to mark 2.5" depth. I just put in 400 bulbs in roughly 35 minutes. Topped with compost and straw. If I had help, I could have knocked it out in 15 minutes.
Hi Huw, I’m from the UK and it’s so cold this week! I realise I’m late to planting garlic, but in your opinion would I still yield a good crop by summer if they were planted this week?
This guy is a classic example of somebody who has made a lot of money by high production video and books but in reality doesn't know what he's talking about as I've seen his posts many times just regurgitating myths and Bullshit that he's picked up from other channels who espouses more bullshit
Tomorrow i will try to plant garden again…
If thor was a gardener
Lovely, I love garlic. I cant wait to have fresh garlic! i love garlic. i think this will be a great garlic year! with the cold weather!
Huw – can you please let us know what we can expect if we plant garlic now ? ! It's sprouting in the kitchen! Is it useless waste of taking up space? Many thanks!
Just keep your garlic crop dry and forget the rest. Ours hangs 12 months in a light airy room, but not direct sunlight
How much sun does it need?
But do you WATER it? How much and how often????
So growing beans and peas in the same spot as garlic, or after garlic, has no problems for you? Do you consider that a proven false myth?
Hello from Romania, est Europe! I enjoy your videos! Sorry for my english! I was wandering if there is garlic for spring and some other garlic tipe for autumn! 🧄Thank you!
do you have to cover the ground with anything after you plant? Also, how deep should the soil be?
Your garden looks spectacular. Thank you so much for your tips re garlic. It is wonderful to see such above average looking compost. As a compost maker of fifty years, I suggest you try adding some rice/split pea sized coarse sand or fine gravel to your compost after it is finished. Even one bucket per barrowload will do wonders. I am going to try unwashed beach sand this year for the first time, as sea water has the entire range of trace micronutrients, and most living things seems to enjoy a small amount of salt. I will see how the mix works with finer sand – I am expecting it to work well. Rodale reports that sea water has 78 elements in it.
Very good and informative video.
Thanks for the great info! Wish my garden was as huge as yours! Someday.
My experience is to always keep the biggest and best bulbs for the next planting season. Cut roots off harvested garlic while it's still green, and make sure you remove scapes from the growing hardnecks as soon as you see them. Those can be stirfried.
Hello will I have peel the garlic first