Learn how to grow garlic from Burpee's expert horticulturist.
How to Plant Garlic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home Gardeners
Garlic lovers who are tired of settling for store-bought commercial cloves may be surprised to discover a world of exotic garlic varieties that can be grown right at home in their garden. While garlic can be planted in the spring, fall planting often yields larger cloves, healthier plants, and overall better results. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of fall planting, the process of planting garlic, and tips for ensuring successful growth.
Benefits of Fall Planting
Fall planting offers several advantages for growing garlic. By planting in the fall, you allow the cloves to establish strong roots before the arrival of freezing weather conditions. This early start enables the garlic to undergo the necessary growth process throughout the winter, leading to robust growth and better yields in the following summer. Additionally, many garlic varieties are cold-hardy and require exposure to harsh winter conditions for optimal performance.
Preparing Garlic Bulbs for Planting
When you receive your garlic bulbs for planting, it's important to handle them with care. The bulbs are composed of individual cloves that will grow into separate garlic plants. Leave the bulbs intact until you are ready to plant them in the garden. Before planting, remove the papery outer covering called the tunic from each clove. This ensures that each clove can form a new bulb of garlic.
Preparing the Planting Area
To give your garlic the best chance of thriving, it's crucial to prepare the planting area properly. Start by selecting a location with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. Garlic prefers loose, fertile soil, so it's beneficial to work plenty of compost into the planting area. Dig individual holes or trenches to a depth of about 3 to 4 inches, spacing them approximately 6 inches apart.
Planting Garlic Cloves
When planting garlic cloves, it's essential to orient them correctly for optimal growth. Place each clove in the planting hole with the flat bottom facing downwards and the tapered tip pointing towards the sky. This orientation ensures that the garlic plant can emerge from the ground easily. An excellent tool for making the planting process more efficient is a Dib ler, which helps create holes of the right depth and spacing.
Covering and Mulching
After placing the cloves in the planting holes, cover them with soil, gently pressing it down to ensure good contact between the cloves and the soil. To further protect the garlic and promote healthy growth, consider adding a layer of mulch. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, preventing extreme swings, and reduces soil moisture loss.
Caring for Garlic Plants
Once the garlic cloves are planted and covered, all that's left to do is wait for spring and observe the sprouting of your garlic plants. However, to ensure optimal growth and development, it's essential to provide proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your garlic plants:
- Watering: Garlic requires consistent moisture throughout its growth cycle. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rotting.
- Weeding: Remove any weeds that compete with the garlic plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Regular weeding helps promote healthy growth.
- Fertilizing: Garlic benefits from a balanced fertilizer application. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during planting and supplement with additional fertilizer during the growing season if needed.
- Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common garlic pests and diseases, such as aphids, nematodes, and fungal infections. Use organic pest control methods when possible and address any issues promptly to prevent damage.
- Harvesting: Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the lower leaves start to turn brown and dry out. Carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them, and allow them to cure in a cool, dry place before storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When is the best time to plant garlic? A: Fall is generally the best time to plant garlic, as it allows the cloves to establish strong roots before winter sets in.
- Q: How deep should I plant garlic cloves? A: Garlic cloves should be planted at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches.
- Q: Can I plant store-bought garlic cloves? A: While you can plant store-bought garlic cloves, it's recommended to use cloves specifically produced for home garden use for optimal results.
- Q: How far apart should garlic cloves be planted? A: Garlic cloves should be planted approximately 6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.
- Q: How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest? A: Garlic is typically ready to harvest when the lower leaves begin to dry out and turn brown. This is usually in the summer, about 8-10 months after planting.
In conclusion, growing your own garlic can be a rewarding and flavorful experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully plant garlic in your home garden. Fall planting offers numerous benefits, such as stronger roots and better growth. Remember to prepare the garlic bulbs properly, choose a suitable planting area, and provide the necessary care for optimal results. With a little patience and effort, you'll soon enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your very own garlic crop. Happy planting!
Video source: Burpee Gardening / Youtube