Garlic is a versatile and essential ingredient in the kitchen and a rewarding crop to grow at home. With a bit of attention to detail, garlic can become one of your most successful garden crops.
Planting Tips
Garlic is a long-term crop, typically planted on the shortest day of the year and harvested on the longest. However, planting earlier and harvesting later can result in larger, juicier bulbs.
Key Tips:
Good Drainage: Garlic thrives in well-drained soil, whether grown in containers or directly in the garden.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost into the soil before planting for the best yield. Add Bone Flour, which provides essential calcium and phosphorus and promotes healthy bulb development. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Bone Flour per clove.
Use Certified Garlic: Always use certified garlic from a garden centre rather than supermarket garlic, as supermarket garlic might carry disease and isn't suited for planting.
Planting Garlic
- Planting Depth & Spacing: Plant each garlic clove 5-8cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the cloves about 15cm apart.
- Choose the Best Cloves: Select larger, “juicy” cloves for planting. Smaller cloves won’t produce much and are better used in cooking.
- Weed-Free Zone: Keep the garlic area free from weeds and ensure it watered well, especially during summer.
Garlic Rust
Garlic rust is a fungal disease that can damage plants and reduce yield. It presents as yellowish spots that turn rusty brown as the disease progresses. Infected plants may have stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and premature leaf drop.
Prevention:
- Maintain good crop hygiene by spacing garlic properly.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Treatment:
- If garlic rust appears, remove infected leaves immediately and dispose of them carefully to prevent spread.
- Use copper-based fungicides at the first sign of rust.
Harvesting Garlic
When to Harvest: Garlic should be harvested when the lower leaves begin to yellow and dry out. Be careful not to harvest too early, or the bulbs will be small. If left too long, the bulbs may burst.
Digging Up Garlic: Use a spade or fork to carefully dig up the garlic, avoiding ripping it from the ground.
Cleaning: Gently brush off soil from the bulbs, taking care not to damage them.
Drying Garlic
After harvesting, garlic needs to be dried properly to ensure long-term storage.
Drying Time: Allow the garlic to dry for three to four weeks in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a dry, shady spot away from direct sunlight.
Finishing Touches: Once the tops and roots are dry, trim them off, again being careful not to damage the bulbs.
By following these steps, you can grow large, healthy garlic bulbs that will add wonderful flavour to your cooking. Happy gardening.
