Follow These 5 Easy Steps to Plant Garlic + Tricks For Huge Harvest

Planting garlic is a rewarding and straightforward process. Here are five easy steps to help you get started, along with some tricks to maximize your garlic harvest:

Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic:
Select high-quality garlic bulbs specifically meant for planting. Look for disease-free bulbs with large cloves. Common varieties include softneck garlic (better for warmer climates) and hardneck garlic (ideal for colder regions).

Step 2: Prepare the Soil:
Garlic thrives in loose, well-drained soil with good organic matter. Prepare the planting bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm). Remove any weeds and rocks, and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

Step 3: Planting Garlic:
Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves, being careful not to damage them. Plant the cloves with the pointed end facing up and the flat end down, about 2 inches (5 cm) deep and 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart. Space rows 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.

Step 4: Mulching and Watering:
After planting, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or dried leaves, to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil. Water the garlic thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as garlic prefers slightly drier conditions.

Step 5: Harvesting:
Garlic typically takes 8 to 10 months to mature. Harvesting time varies depending on the variety and local climate. When the lower leaves turn yellow and the tops start to dry, it’s an indication that the bulbs are ready for harvest. Gently dig up the bulbs using a garden fork, being careful not to bruise or damage them.

Tricks for a Huge Harvest:

Amend the soil: Before planting, add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. This will provide the garlic with the essential elements it needs for robust growth.

Provide adequate sun: Garlic thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Fertilize appropriately: Garlic benefits from a balanced fertilizer application. Apply a slow-release, organic fertilizer at planting time, and consider a side-dressing of fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy bulb development.

Control weeds: Keep the planting area free from weeds, as they can compete with garlic for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Mulching helps to suppress weed growth, but occasional hand-weeding may still be necessary.

Trim the scapes: Hardneck garlic produces scapes, which are curly flower stalks that emerge from the bulbs. Snip off the scapes once they curl to redirect energy back to bulb growth. Scapes are edible and make a tasty addition to various dishes.

By following these steps and implementing these tricks, you’ll be well on your way to planting and harvesting abundant and flavorful garlic. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own garlic and reaping the rewards in your culinary endeavors.