Have you ever wanted to grow your own garlic but weren’t sure where to start? Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, you’ll be glad to know that planting and harvesting garlic is easy and rewarding.
In this article, you’ll learn about the many benefits of planting garlic, and how to ensure a successful harvest.
From choosing the right garlic for your climate to harvesting the garlic, you’ll find all the information you need to get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Garlic typically takes 8 to 9 months from planting to harvest.
The garlic will be ready to harvest when the leaves begin to turn brown and the bulb size is ideal.
The best way to know when to harvest garlic is to check the bulb size and the color of the leaves.
If the garlic is ready, carefully dig it up and let it dry in a warm, dry place for a couple of weeks before use.
Benefits of Planting Garlic
Garlic is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow and can be harvested in as little as six to seven months after planting.
Growing garlic has many benefits for both the home gardener and commercial producers.
Not only is garlic a tasty addition to meals, but it also has many health benefits.
Garlic is a great source of vitamins C and B6, as well as selenium, calcium, and magnesium.
Studies have also shown that garlic can help reduce cholesterol and improve heart health.
Furthermore, garlic can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to marinades and salads.
Additionally, planting garlic is relatively easy and requires only minimal effort, making it a great choice for people looking to start a garden without a lot of time or money.
Planting garlic can also help improve the fertility of the soil, as it helps to break up compacted soil and adds organic matter to the soil.
Choosing the Right Garlic for Your Climate
When it comes to growing garlic, choosing the right variety for your climate is key. Different climates can affect the time required for the garlic to mature, so its important to pick a variety that will thrive in your particular growing conditions. In general, there are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic varieties, such as Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe, are best for cooler climates and tend to have a shorter growing season. Softneck garlic varieties, such as Silverskin and Artichoke, are better suited to mild climates and tend to have a longer growing season.
When choosing the right garlic variety for your climate, its important to consider the length of your growing season.
If you live in a cooler climate with a shorter growing season, youll want to choose a hardneck variety that will mature quickly.
On the other hand, if you live in a mild climate with a longer growing season, youll want to choose a softneck variety that will take longer to mature.
Its also important to consider the soil type in which youll be planting your garlic.
If youll be planting in heavy clay soil, youll want to choose a variety that can withstand wetter conditions.
If youll be planting in sandy soil, youll want to choose a variety that can withstand dry conditions.
By choosing the right garlic variety for your climate, youll ensure that your garlic will mature properly and be ready to harvest in as little as six to seven months after planting.
With proper planting and care, youll be able to enjoy freshly harvested garlic for months to come.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
When planting garlic, the first step is to prepare the soil.
This is best done in the early fall, when the ground is still warm and the soil is ready to be worked.
To start, break up any large clumps of soil and remove any weeds and debris.
If the soil is compacted, it may be necessary to add some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to help enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Additionally, it is important to add a balanced fertilizer to help the garlic bulbs grow.
Once the soil is prepared, it is time to start planting.
Planting the Garlic
When it comes to harvesting garlic, the first step is to properly plant the garlic.
Garlic should be planted in the fall, ideally four to six weeks before the first expected frost.
This gives the garlic time to establish a strong root system before the cold winter months.
Planting garlic in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is also essential for optimal growth.
To plant the garlic, place individual cloves about 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
If planting in rows, the rows should be spaced at least 12 inches apart.
After planting, water the garlic and cover with a thick layer of mulch to help protect it from harsh winter temperatures.
Once the garlic is planted, its time to wait for harvest season.
Watering and Fertilizing the Garlic
Watering and fertilizing the garlic is an important step in ensuring a successful harvest.
Garlic should be watered deeply but sparingly, especially when the bulbs are starting to form.
During the early stages of growth, water the garlic one to two times a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
As the bulbs form and the leaves turn yellow, reduce the watering to once a week.
Fertilizing the garlic is also important.
Garlic should be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
When fertilizing in the spring, use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
In the fall, use a more nitrogen-heavy fertilizer, such as 15-15-15.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application.
Finally, garlic should be harvested when the leaves turn yellow and the stems and leaves become dry and brittle.
Once the garlic has been harvested, it should be cured for at least two weeks before it can be used.
Curing the garlic helps to ensure that the bulbs develop their full flavor and that they store well.
How to Know When Garlic is Ready to Harvest
Knowing when to harvest garlic is important for a successful garlic crop.
The general rule of thumb is that garlic is ready to be harvested when the leaves of the plant have turned yellow, and the stems and leaves become dry and brittle.
This usually occurs around six to seven months after planting, however, this can vary depending on the type of garlic you are growing and the climate in which you are growing it.
For instance, hardneck garlic (Allium sativum ophioscorodon) typically matures and can be harvested in late summer or early fall, while softneck garlic (Allium sativum sativum) matures and can be harvested in late spring or early summer.
Additionally, garlic grown in climates with cooler temperatures may take longer to mature than garlic grown in warmer climates.
To determine when it is time to harvest garlic, you will need to observe your garlic plants closely.
As the garlic matures, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry out.
When the majority of the leaves are yellow and dry, it is time to harvest the garlic.
You should also take note of the size of the garlic bulbs; larger bulbs indicate that the garlic is mature.
Harvesting garlic too early can result in small, underdeveloped bulbs, so it is important to wait until the right time to harvest.
By following these steps and monitoring your garlic plants, you can easily determine when it is time to harvest your garlic.
Harvesting the Garlic
Harvesting garlic is a simple yet important process that can help you get the most out of your crop.
The right time to harvest garlic is when the leaves of the garlic begin to turn yellow and the stems and leaves become dry and brittle.
Usually, this stage occurs six to seven months after planting.
If you harvest the garlic too early, you may end up with smaller, underdeveloped bulbs.
To ensure you harvest your garlic at the optimum time, its important to regularly check the bulbs.
As the garlic matures, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and the stems and leaves will become dry and brittle.
When the majority of the leaves are yellow, its time to harvest your garlic.
When ready to harvest, carefully dig around the garlic bulbs with a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil.
Gently remove the garlic bulbs with your hands and brush off any excess soil.
Be sure to handle the bulbs carefully to avoid bruising or damaging them.
Once harvested, you can hang the garlic bulbs in a warm, dry place to cure.
Curing allows the garlic to fully mature, which results in a stronger flavor.
Its important to keep the garlic bulbs out of direct sunlight and to turn them periodically to ensure even curing.
After a few weeks, the garlic bulbs will be ready to be stored or used in recipes.
By following these steps, you can easily harvest your garlic in as little as six to seven months after planting.
With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a robust harvest of delicious garlic bulbs.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple steps, you can be harvesting your own delicious garlic in as little as six to seven months! Planting garlic in the fall will give your bulbs time to establish strong root systems before the cold winter weather.
Preparing the soil, fertilizing, and watering your garlic regularly will all contribute to a successful harvest.
With the right climate and a bit of patience, you can have your own garlic crop in no time!