SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alium sativum
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Medium rich, well-drained, deep sandy loam
pH RANGE: 6.0 - 6.5
MOISTURE/WATERING: Average
MATURITY IN DAYS: 90 - 100
KNOWN PESTS: Onion root maggots
OVERVIEW:
Garlic is grown from the individual cloves. Each clove will produce one plant with a single bulb. Growing garlic is fairly easy - much easier than most people may think. When planting garlic, choose a garden site that gets plenty of sun and where the soil is not too wet. Garlic cloves should be planted individually, upright. Garlic is a great plant for companion planting and grows well with other flowers and vegetables.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF GARLIC:
Spring garlic should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked, so that the garlic bulbs can set out roots early. Each bulb consists of several cloves, break individual garlic cloves apart from the bulb and plant with the flat root end down. Plant garlic cloves 3” apart, 2” deep with 12-18” row spacing.
COMPANION PLANTING OF GARLIC:
Most vegetables, except for beans and peas grow well with garlic.
CARE & GROWING OF GARLIC:
Garlic prefers a full sunny location with a soil pH of 6.0-6.5. Garlic is a light feeder and requires a well prepared, well drained soil. Prior to planting garlic, incorporate some compost. After planting garlic, mulch between the rows, as the shallow roots of this crop do not compete well with weeds. Mulching will also help to conserve moisture. During mid season growth, garlic plants benefit from a nitrogen side dressing, like partially rotted manure, bloodmeal, or a drink of compost tea. For hard neck or fall garlic, be sure to cut off the scape or twisted flower stalk. This will send more energy into producing the bulb.
HARVESTING OF GARLIC:
Harvest garlic in late summer or when 75% of the leaves have turned brown. Lift garlic bulbs during dry weather. Cure for 10-14 days in a warm, dark, dry area. After curing garlic, clean roots and cut off the dead foliage. To make garlic braids, the garlic bulbs must be dug and braided while the foliage is still green. Will store for 6-8 months in a dry, cool place.
GARLIC PESTS:
Onion root maggots can be a problem with garlic. These maggots of tiny flies lay eggs in soil around developing garlic cloves. The maggots then find the garlic and tunnel inside. Onion maggots thrive in alkaline soil. The solution is to grow garlic in raised beds or mounds if planting amongst other vegetables.
