In this video Ali will show you step-by-step guide to plant and grow the biggest and best garlic bulbs! Learn several tips and tricks along the way for the best success. Garlic is an easy crop to grow, if you follow the right steps. Learn from Ali's 30 years of garlic growing experience.

Planting Garlic in the Fall for BIGGEST Bulbs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Garlic is a popular and rewarding crop to grow in the fall. With proper care and cultivation, you can harvest big, flavorful bulbs that will elevate your culinary creations. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my knowledge and experience gained from over 30 years of growing garlic. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the biggest bulbs and the highest yield.

1. Introduction

Garlic is a versatile and flavorful herb that is highly sought after in the culinary world. Growing your own garlic allows you to enjoy its fresh, pungent flavor and aroma right from your garden. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of planting garlic in the fall and provide you with expert tips to maximize bulb size and yield.

2. Choosing the Right Soil

Garlic can adapt to various soil types, but it thrives best in rich, well-drained, and pH-neutral soil. Before planting, amend your soil with compost to enhance its fertility and provide essential nutrients for the garlic plants. Avoid interplanting garlic with other crops to ensure that it has ample space to grow and develop.

3. Garlic Varieties: Soft Neck, Hard Neck, and Elephant Garlic

There are numerous garlic varieties available, but the three main types are soft neck, hard neck, and elephant garlic. Soft neck garlic has a flexible neck and is often braided. It is suitable for beginners and can grow in various climates. Hard neck garlic forms cloves around a hard stem and offers a wide range of flavors. Although it doesn't keep as long as soft neck garlic, it is highly regarded for its taste. Elephant garlic, which is related to leeks, produces large cloves and has a milder flavor.

4. The Best Time to Plant Garlic

To achieve the biggest bulbs, it's crucial to plant garlic two to four weeks before the first hard freeze in your region. As a general guideline, I recommend planting around the first full moon in October. However, if you live in milder climates, you can plant as late as December or January, although the bulb size may be smaller.

5. Preparing Garlic Cloves for Planting

Before planting, it's beneficial to soak your garlic cloves in a solution that helps prevent fungal or bacterial issues. In a container, combine one quart of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and some liquid kelp. Optionally, add one teaspoon of humic acid if available. Soak the garlic cloves in this mixture for two hours before planting. This treatment helps the cloves absorb nutrients and develop strong root systems.

6. Soil Preparation and Fertilization

Once you've selected a sunny spot in your garden and cleared any debris, it's time to prepare the soil. Apply a layer of well-rotted compost approximately two inches thick over the planting area. Use a digging fork to loosen the soil slightly, allowing for better root penetration. Garlic responds well to nitrogen, and you can use organic options like blood meal, feather meal, soybean meal, or cottonseed meal to provide this essential nutrient. Follow

the recommended application rates on the product packaging and incorporate the fertilizer into the soil.

7. Planting Garlic Cloves

Now it's time to plant your prepared garlic cloves. Follow these steps:

1. Separate the garlic cloves from the bulb just before planting. Keep the papery skin intact on each clove.
2. Dig a trench or individual holes that are approximately 2 inches deep. Space the cloves 6 to 8 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up.
3. Gently place each clove into the soil and cover it with loose soil. Ensure that the cloves are adequately covered but not buried too deeply.
4. If you're planting multiple rows, space the rows 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.

8. Watering and Moisture Management

After planting, water the garlic thoroughly to settle the soil around the cloves. Throughout the fall and winter, monitor the moisture levels in the soil and water when necessary. Garlic prefers consistent moisture but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to rotting. During periods of heavy rainfall, consider covering the garlic bed with a temporary shelter to prevent excessive waterlogging.

9. Crop Rotation and Garlic

To maintain soil health and minimize disease and pest issues, it's essential to practice crop rotation. Avoid planting garlic in the same area where other Allium crops (onion, shallots, leeks) were grown in the previous two years. Rotate garlic with non-Allium crops such as beans, lettuce, or tomatoes.

10. Mulching for Winter Protection

Apply a layer of mulch over the garlic bed once the soil has cooled and before the ground freezes. Mulching helps insulate the cloves, protecting them from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost heaving. Straw, dried leaves, or wood chips are excellent mulching materials. Aim for a thickness of 4 to 6 inches, ensuring that the cloves are well-covered.

11. Providing Nitrogen for Vegetative Growth

In early spring, when the garlic plants start to emerge, they benefit from a nitrogen boost to support vegetative growth. You can apply nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or a balanced granular fertilizer. Follow the product instructions for application rates, and water the plants after fertilizing.

12. Garlic Maturation and Harvesting

As the growing season progresses, the garlic plants will develop scapes, which are curly flower stalks. It's advisable to remove the scapes to divert the plant's energy into bulb formation. Simply snap off the scapes when they curl and before they flower. These scapes are edible and can be used in cooking.

Around mid-summer, when the lower leaves begin to yellow and dry, it's time to harvest the garlic. Gently dig the bulbs out of the ground using a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Allow the bulbs to cure in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for a few weeks until the outer skins become papery.

—

By following these steps, you'll be on your way to growing garlic with big, flavorful bulbs. Remember to choose the right soil, select suitable garlic varieties, plant at the appropriate time, provide adequate nutrition and moisture, practice crop rotation, and harvest at the right stage. With patience and care, you'll enjoy a bountiful garlic harvest that will enhance your culinary creations. Happy planting!

Video source: Ali's Organic Garden & Homestead / Youtube