Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING GARLIC
FAMILY
NAME
Alliaceae (onion family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Bulb (cloves) and flower stem.
LOCATION
Sunny, dry area.
BEST SOIL
Rich, well-drained soil; pH 6.0-6.8.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Plant bulbs in the fall if you live in a warmer climate or in the
early spring if you live in an extremely cold climate where the
ground freezes in early fall.
HOW TO
PLANT
Set out cloves of garlic 2 inches deep, 6 to 8 inches apart in rows
spaced 16 to 24 inches apart. Plant the cloves with the pointed
end up.
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
5 to 10 feet per person.
COMPANION
PLANTS
For a positive effect, plant near carrots and tomatoes. Beans,
peas, and strawberries can have a negative effect, so avoid
planting them near garlic.
WEEDING
Keep well weeded.
WATERING
Needs regular watering in the spring if there is very little rainfall.
CARE
Mulch with straw or hay in the fall and again in the spring when
the plants are 1 foot high to prevent weeds and keep the soil
from drying out.
FERTILIZING
Fertilize with compost tea or fish fertilizer after the flower stalks
have started to form.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids and thrips can be a problem. Using crop rotation will
prevent most pests and disease.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Garlic takes 6 to 10 months to fully mature. When the tops start
to turn brown and die back, garlic is ready to be harvested.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Loosen the soil around your plants with a garden fork and then
gently pull out the bulbs, trying to keep the stem and bulb intact.
The bulb will dry better if it is not broken off.
STORAGE
If dried and stored properly, garlic will keep for several months.
Once cured in the sun for a few weeks, clean off any dirt
remaining on the bulb and store it in a paper bag or box in a
cool, dry storage area. Garlic can be braided and hung in a cool,
dark area.
