One of the most satisfying gardening projects can be growing your own garlic. No matter if you have a backyard garden or just a couple of raised beds, you can grow garlic yourself and get a better garlic than you can find at the store. Garlic is low maintenance, easy to grow and can be stored for many months after harvest with little effort.
We feel that the best way to a good harvest is to begin with high quality organic seed garlic at Mad River Garlic Growers. Whether you are growing it in your garden or on your kitchen counter, this guide deals with all aspects of garlic growing, from variety selection through harvest and storage.
Why Cultivate Garlic?
We cultivate garlic for home gardeners and small farmers, garlic is an interesting crop with numerous benefits. It is hardy in a wide range of climates, helps to naturally repel some pests in the garden, and the bulbs are delicious and filled with rich flavor.
The advantages of growing garlic are:
Fresh home-grown garlic of better flavor.
Resistance to post-harvest disease.Good post harvest disease resistance.
Low-maintenance gardening
A very good yield from a low seed rate.
Ideal for organic gardening practices
If treated properly, one clove can grow into a large garlic bulb with several new cloves.
Select the best variety of garlic to plant.
The first step to growing garlic well is to choose the right variety.
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic is a strong flavored variety that does well in the cold. It also yields edible garlic scapes in the growing season, making it a popular choice amongst gardeners and cooks.
Popular hardneck varieties are:
Music
Chesnok Red
German White
Spanish Roja
Red Russian
Softneck Garlic
Softnecks garlic will produce more cloves than hardnecks garlic and it will store better. It thrives particularly well in areas with less severe winters.
To guarantee a good yield and healthy plants use certified organic seed garlic.
When to Plant Garlic
One of the most significant factors to consider when growing garlic is the timing.
Most areas, garlic should be planted in the fall, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the cloves time to root before going dormant for the winter.
Some gardeners can be successful growing fall garlic, but some may be able to do so in the early spring, though fall garlic may yield larger heads.
Prepare the Soil
Garlic requires healthy soil to be healthy.
The ideal garlic growing season is:
Loose, well-drained soil
Full sun (6-8 hours per day)
Soil that has lots of organic material.
Water slightly acidic to neutral pH
Add compost or well-aged organic material to the soil before planting to improve the fertility and drainage of the soil. Try not to plant in heavy soil or soil that is too wet, as this can cause rot in the bulbs.
To grow garlic, the plants require very little maintenance.
Use these easy steps to plant:
Remove each clove from the bulb, keeping the outer skins intact.
Use largest and best looking cloves when planting.
Plant cloves with the pointy end up.
Space is approximately 6″ apart.
Space about 12 inches between rows.
Plant cloves approximately 2" deep.
Lightly water after planting.
Mulching after planting can help control soil temperature, prevent weed growth and keep the soil moist during the winter months.
How To Take Care Of Garlic Plants
After the garlic sprouts in the spring, regular garlic care can help maximize bulb growth.
Water Properly
Garlic grows best in moist conditions. Water thoroughly, but not too much, when the soil is dry.
Water less a couple of weeks prior to harvest to ensure bulbs mature properly.
Control Weeds
Garlic also competes with weeds for nutrients and water. Mulch/Hand weed beds.
Fertilize Carefully
Fertilize in early spring with an organic nitrogen fertilizer. Stop fertilization when bulbs start to form below ground level.
Larger garlic bulbs have healthy leaves that contribute to them.
Be on the lookout for garlic scapes!
Hardneck garlic has a flower stem called a scape.
Pulling scapes promotes the plant to put more energy into the bulbs.
Even better: Garlic scapes are edible, and they taste great in stir-fries, pesto, soups and salads.
Some typical problems of common garlic cultivation.
Garlic is fairly easy to grow, but there may be a few issues.
Small Bulbs
Possible causes include:
It is important not to plant cloves too near together.
Poor soil fertility
Inadequate sunlight
Harvesting too early
Rotting Bulbs
Usually caused by:
Poor drainage
Overwatering
Heavy clay soils
Yellow Leaves
This can be a consequence of:
Nutrient deficiencies
Natural plant maturity
Excessive moisture
Disease pressure
Good crop rotation and healthy soil significantly minimizes disease risks.
Harvesting Garlic
As with growing garlic, it is essential to know when garlic is ready to be harvested.
The flowers of garlic are ready when a few of the lower leaves are browning and some of the upper leaves are still green.
Use a garden fork to loosen soil before pulling bulbs from the ground. This will prevent bruising or damages.
Brush off soil after harvest; do not wash bulbs.
How to cure and store Garlic.Curing and storage of Garlic.
Garlic must be cured after harvest before put into storage.
Place bundles in a dry, shady, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks.
Once fully cured:
Trim roots
Trim stems if necessary.
Keep bulbs in cool dry location
Don't refrigerate for long term storage
Garlic will stay good for months if properly cured.
Why Gardeners Choose Mad River Garlic Growers
The key to growing an outstanding garlic crop is using outstanding planting material.
Mad River Garlic Growers is proud to supply certified organic heirloom seed garlic that has been carefully chosen for exceptional flavour, excellent performance and good growth. Gardeners, home growers and market farmers alike rely on these carefully grown varieties to ensure they plant and grow garlic with confidence in their own gardens.
Whether you are starting your first garlic crop or just adding one to your garden, good garlic seed is essential.
Final Thoughts
Garlic growing is a worthwhile investment and an excellent yield of flavoursome bulbs will be produced each year. With careful selection of high-quality seed garlic, proper soil preparation, timely planting, and good care practices, you'll reap the rewards of good plants and prolific bulbs.
When it's time to plant the best garlic in your own garden, Mad River Garlic Growers will provide you with certified organic heirloom seed garlic for reliable results year after year. Get a head start on planting and savor your homegrown garlic!
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