Scientifically known as Allium sativum , Garlic is is a culinary staple that chef and home cooks love .
Garlic ’s barbed scent and unique flavor enhance dishful worldwide .
Aside from its culinary use , it ’s a favorite among gardeners because of its relatively low - maintenance arise process .
Here , we offer 17 substantive tip for growing and harvest garlic in your garden .
Understanding the USDA Hardiness Planting Zones
The Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) has delineate 13 unlike plant hardiness zone in the United States .
Each zone is characterize by its average yearly minimal winter temperature , which helps regulate the types of plants that will thrive .
To discover your zone , see our guide hereA Detailed Guide To 13 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones — Zone In On Your Garden , and visit theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map .
1. Know Your Garlic Varieties
Garlic boasts over 600 diverseness . However , they in the main fall into two all-embracing class : softneck and hardneck .
Softneck Allium sativum , with types like Artichoke and Silverskin , is ideal for warm zones ( 7 - 9 ) due to its less wintertime - hardy nature .
They are often more prolific producers , with multiple cloves coiffure around the central fore in several layers .
This variety is ordinarily found in supermarket and has a flexible still hunt that is excellent for braiding . Hardneck garlic , let in Rocambole and Purple Stripe , is better suited to cold-blooded zones ( 4 - 7 ) .
This change has a unfaltering central stalk with a unmarried layer of cloves around it . Hardnecks are renowned for their complex flavor profiles , often offering a ample garlic sense of taste .
2. Choose the Right Variety for Your Zone
Although Allium sativum can be produce in various climates , zones 3 - 8 are typically optimal . Your geographical positioning should inform your choice of garlic variety .
If you live in a cold climate like zones 3 - 4 , hardneck varieties , which fare better in harsh winters , are the good option .
Gardeners in ardent zone ( 7 - 8) should lean towards softneck , more heat energy - tolerant varieties .
Zones 5 - 6 bring home the bacon unique flexibility as they can effectively accommodate both types .
3. Correct Timing for Planting
The timing for plant garlic is dependent on on your Department of Agriculture zone . In inhuman zone ( 3 - 4 ) , it ’s best to plant Allium sativum in later September to October , just before the ground freezes .
This earmark the plant to establish roots but only sprout after the winter .
The ideal planting time for zone 5 - 7 is from October to other November . This period allows the Allium sativum to found substantive ascendant over the wintertime .
The planting window in affectionate zones 8 - 9 extends from late October through January .
Garlic in these zones does n’t postulate a long wintertime dormancy and benefit from the cooler winter temperatures for theme development .
4. Sourcing High-Quality Garlic Bulbs
Always source your garlic from reputable nursery or seminal fluid companies . This see you get disease - devoid , feasible cloves suit to your hardiness geographical zone .
While it is possible to use garlic from supermarkets , we suggest avoid it as it may carry diseases , and some Allium sativum may have been treated to prevent bourgeon .
5. Soil Preparation
Garlic prefer well - drain filth enrich with constitutive issue . Before planting , amend your soil with compost or aged manure to increase fertility rate .
Garlic prefers slenderly acidic to achromatic territory , so aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 .
6. Correct Planting Method
Planting garlic requires finesse . Break apart the bulbs and plant the individual clove pointed - end , about 2 inches recondite .
Each clove should be about 6 inches apart , and row should be space 1 - 2 substructure apart .
7. Mulching is Crucial
After planting , utilize a generous layer of mulch , like straw or rip up leaves , to continue territory wet , suppress dope , and maintain uniform soil temperature .
This is especially vital in colder zones , where Allium sativum ask extra insulation .
8. Winter Care
Garlic is a brave plant and require slight wintertime care , especially when well mulched . In colder zona , the stratum of mulch provide insularism , protecting the cloves from freeze - thaw round that could labor them out of the ground .
9. Watering Schedule
Garlic necessitate consistent watering to develop well . The aim is to keep the dirt moist but not waterlogged . Overwatering can lead to bulb rot .
As a prescript , irrigate your garlic once a week , adjusting depending on rainfall . When the leaves set out to yellow in late springtime , gradually reduce watering .
10. Proper Fertilization
Feed your garlic a high - atomic number 7 plant food in early spring to support leafy growth .
When scapes ( flower stems ) commence to arise , a second fertilizer applications programme will see the growing of large , salubrious bulbs .
11. Scapes Management
Did you know that scapes are the long , green stem that rise from garlic plants ? They reckon like big Allium schoenoprasum or scallions and come from hardneck garlic plants .
The burgeon forth scapes should be cut back for hardnecks . This aim the plant ’s energy into growing a larger bulb .
Bonus : scapes are edible and bring tang to stir - fries , pesto , and salads .
12. Recognizing Pests and Diseases
Garlic is relatively pest - immune . However , observe for sign of rust ( orange patch on leaves ) , mould ( white , fluffy fungus ) , and nematodes ( stunted growth and distorted leave ) .
Rotating crop each year help oneself minimize the build - up of these disease .
13. Judging the Harvest Time
Typically , ail is quick to harvest in mid to late summertime . Look for half the leaves sprain brown while 5 - 6 green leaves remain .
Each gullible folio represents a layer of protective wrapping around the electric light , which is necessary for long - full term storage .
14. Correct Harvesting Technique
To reap , gently tease the soil with a garden fork . get out the bulbs out , being thrifty not to bruise them . impairment to the electric light can reduce their storage life .
15. Drying and Curing
Once harvested , garlic needs to cure . Lay the bulbs in a single layer in a well - air , shady area for two week . This physical process allows the pelt to dry and enhances the ail ’s flavor .
16. Storing Garlic
storehouse bring around garlic in a cool , dry , dark place . Ideal computer storage temperature are between 60 - 65 ° farad .
Softneck miscellanea can be braid and advert for repositing , while hardneck varieties are best stored in mesh bags .
17. Saving Bulbs for Next Planting
Select the declamatory , healthy bulbs from your harvest time to set the next season . By doing so , you continually improve the caliber of your garlic crop .
Here are more informative articles :
How Deep Should Garlic Be Planted ?
Can You Grow Garlic From Store Bought Cloves ?
23 Vegetables That Have Shallow Roots
A Culinary Delight
Garlic is a rewarding addition to any home garden . Its comparatively straightforward polish physical process give off with a bighearted harvest home of nip - packed electric-light bulb .
We go for you ’ll apply these tips to grow , harvest , and savour your garlic time of year after season .
