Are you interested in growing garlic? Did you know that you can grow garlic right in your own backyard? With this step-by-step guide, you can learn how to plant, care for, and harvest your own garlic.
Not only is growing garlic simple and rewarding, but you also reap the benefits of having a ready supply of fresh garlic on-hand.
We’ll cover what you need to get started, how to soak and plant the cloves, and how to care for your garlic plant.
We’ll also discuss the importance of adding mulch to the soil and when to harvest your garlic.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To plant garlic, first select a site that has full sun and well-draining soil.
Break apart garlic bulbs and separate the individual cloves.
Plant cloves 2 to 4 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Cover the cloves with soil and water thoroughly.
Garlic should be planted in late fall or early winter for a summer harvest.
Benefits of Growing Garlic at Home
Growing garlic at home can provide many benefits, both nutritional and economic.
Not only will you get fresh, delicious garlic straight from your garden, but youll also be able to save money on buying garlic from the store.
Beyond that, home-grown garlic can be more nutritionally beneficial than store-bought garlic, since it hasnt been exposed to the same amount of light, heat, and chemicals as store-bought garlic.
Growing garlic at home also helps to reduce your carbon footprint, since youre not buying garlic from a store that was grown in a different part of the country or even a different part of the world.
Plus, its a great way to get some exercise and get in touch with nature by tending to your garden.
All in all, growing garlic at home can be a great way to enjoy fresh, delicious garlic while also saving money and helping the environment.
What You Need To Get Started
If you want to grow garlic at home, youll need to make sure you have the right supplies to get started.
First, youll need to get garlic cloves, either from the grocery store or from a local farmer.
Make sure to get the right type of garlic for your climate and soil type, as this will affect the success of your crop.
Youll also need to have some well-draining soil, a sunny spot for planting, and a watering can.
Finally, youll need some mulch or compost to help retain moisture and protect the garlic from weeds.
Once you have all the necessary supplies, youll be ready to start planting!
Soaking the Garlic Cloves
Preparing to plant garlic starts with soaking the cloves overnight.
This helps to soften them and make them more amenable to planting.
To soak the cloves, fill a bowl or a jar with lukewarm water and place the cloves in the water.
Let the cloves soak overnight, or for at least eight hours.
This will help to soften the cloves and make them easier to plant.
It is important to note that there are two types of garlic cloves – the hardneck and the softneck varieties.
Hardneck garlic cloves are usually larger and have a tougher skin, while softneck cloves are smaller and have a softer skin.
Soaking hardneck cloves for a longer period of time is usually recommended, while softneck cloves may require a shorter soak.
When preparing to plant garlic, it is important to note that not all garlic cloves are suitable for planting.
Only the freshest cloves should be used, as older cloves may not be viable for planting.
Selecting cloves with no visible signs of damage is also important, as they are more likely to grow successfully.
Finally, when selecting garlic cloves, it is important to choose a variety that is suitable for your climate.
Planting the Garlic Cloves
Planting garlic is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps.
First, its important to source quality garlic cloves from either the grocery store or a local farmer.
Once youve got the cloves, its time to start planting.
Start by soaking the cloves overnight in a bowl of water.
This will help to soften them and make them easier to plant.
When its time to plant, make sure to select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Its important to space the cloves out properly to give them plenty of room to grow.
Plant the cloves 2-4 inches deep and cover them with soil.
Make sure to water the garlic regularly and keep the soil evenly moist.
Once the garlic has begun to grow, its a good idea to add a layer of mulch around the plants.
This will help to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature at an even level.
Its also important to keep an eye out for any pests that might be attacking the garlic plants.
After a few months, the garlic should be ready to harvest.
Enjoy your delicious homegrown garlic!
Caring for Your Garlic Plant
Now that you have planted your garlic cloves, it is time to care for your garlic plant.
To ensure a successful crop of delicious homegrown garlic, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
First and foremost, garlic needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.
Make sure to place your garlic in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
If your garlic is in an area that receives too little sunlight, it will not grow properly.
Additionally, watering your garlic is key to keeping it healthy.
Water your garlic regularly and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
To help your garlic retain moisture, add a layer of mulch around the garlic plants.
This will help protect the roots and keep the soil from drying out.
Finally, be sure to remove any weeds that may be competing with your garlic for water and nutrients.
Pulling weeds by hand is the best way to ensure that your garlic plants will not be affected by any unwanted guests.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your garlic plant will be healthy and thriving.
With a little bit of care and attention, you will be able to enjoy a delicious harvest of homegrown garlic!
Adding Mulch to the Soil
When it comes to growing garlic, adding a layer of mulch to the soil can be a great way to help retain moisture and keep the soil evenly moist.
Mulch is a material that is spread across the top of the soil to protect it from the sun and wind.
It can also help to reduce weeds and keep the soil moist.
It is important to use a mulch that is organic and will not harm the garlic plants.
Some great mulch options for garlic plants include straw, grass clippings, compost, wood chips, and bark chips.
When adding mulch to the soil, it is important to spread it evenly over the top of the soil and make sure it is not too thick or too thin.
If it is too thick, it can suffocate the garlic plants.
Too thin, and it may not provide enough protection from the sun and wind.
It is best to start by spreading a thin layer of mulch and then adding more if needed.
Mulch should be applied in the early spring after the garlic plants have started to grow.
This will help to protect the plants from the elements and make sure they stay moist.
Make sure to water the garlic plants regularly and to keep the soil evenly moist.
Adding mulch to the soil can also help to reduce weeds, which can compete with the garlic plants for nutrients and water.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your garlic plants will have the best chance of growing healthy and strong.
Adding a layer of mulch to the soil is a great way to help retain moisture and keep the soil evenly moist.
With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of homegrown garlic.
When to Harvest Your Garlic
Harvesting your garlic can be a rewarding part of the process and it is important to know when the right time is.
The ideal time to harvest your garlic will depend on the type of garlic you are growing.
Generally, it is ready to be harvested when the leaves start to yellow and wither away.
This will typically occur after the plant has been growing for around 8-10 months, but this can vary slightly depending on the type of garlic and the climate you are growing it in.
If you are growing softneck garlic, you can usually harvest it a bit earlier than hardneck garlic.
Softneck garlic is ready to be harvested when the majority of the plants stems have started to yellow and the lower leaves are starting to wither.
Hardneck garlic, on the other hand, is ready to be harvested when the flower stalks (or scapes) have started to turn brown and curl.
Once the garlic is ready to be harvested, you should wait for a few days of dry weather before you pull the garlic out of the ground.
This will help make sure that the garlic has had time to dry out and will store better.
When harvesting the garlic, make sure that you dig it up carefully as the bulbs can easily bruise or break.
After harvesting, you should hang the garlic in a cool, dark, and dry location to cure for a few weeks.
Once it is cured, you can store it in a dry and dark place for up to 6 months.
Enjoy your delicious homegrown garlic!
Final Thoughts
Growing garlic at home is a rewarding and simple process that anyone can do with just a few simple steps.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown garlic that you planted yourself.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your garlic growing journey today and delight in the delicious rewards of your hard work!