Garlic

Benefits of Planting Garlic

  1. Natural Pest Repellent
    Garlic’s strong odor repels many common garden pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and other insects that can damage crops like cabbage and lettuce.

  2. Disease Prevention
    Garlic has natural antifungal properties that can help reduce fungal diseases in nearby plants.

  3. Improved Growth of Neighboring Plants
    When planted alongside crops like cabbage and lettuce, garlic helps protect them from pests and may contribute to healthier growth.

  4. Easy to Grow and Multi-Purpose
    Garlic is low-maintenance, can be planted in many garden spaces, and provides culinary benefits as well.

  5. Masks Plant Scents
    Garlic helps deter pests by masking the scents of other plants, confusing insects that rely on smell to locate their targets.

How to Plant Garlic

  1. Choose the Right Variety
    Select garlic varieties suited to your climate—hardneck types for cooler areas, softneck for warmer regions.

  2. Prepare the Soil
    Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting.

  3. Planting Time
    In most regions, plant garlic cloves in the fall (about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost). In mild climates, garlic can also be planted in late winter or early spring.

  4. Planting Depth and Spacing
    Break garlic bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins on. Plant each clove upright (pointed end up) about 2 inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Rows should be about 12 inches apart.

  5. Watering and Care
    Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch with straw or leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  6. Harvesting
    Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer when the lower leaves start to brown. Carefully dig up bulbs and cure them in a dry, ventilated place for a few weeks.

  7. Companion Planting Tips
    Plant garlic near cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and roses to help repel pests. Avoid planting garlic near beans and peas, as it may inhibit their growth.

Harvesting Garlic

  1. When to Harvest

    • Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer, about 7-9 months after planting.

    • Watch the leaves: harvest when the bottom 3-4 leaves have turned brown, but the upper leaves are still green. If you wait too long, bulbs can split and store poorly.

  2. How to Harvest

    • Loosen the soil gently around the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel—avoid stabbing the bulbs.

    • Carefully lift the bulbs out of the ground by the base of the stems.

  3. Handling Bulbs

    • Shake off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs—moisture can promote rot.

    • Trim the roots close to the bulb if desired, but leave the stems intact for curing.

  4. Curing Garlic

    • Cure garlic in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded place (like a shed or garage) for about 2-3 weeks.

    • Hang bulbs in bunches or spread them out on a rack or screen to allow air circulation.

    • Proper curing enhances flavor and extends storage life.

  5. Post-Curing

    • After curing, trim the stems to about 1 inch above the bulb for storage or braid the stems if desired.

    • Remove any dirty outer layers of skin gently but keep the protective papery layers intact.

  6. Storage

    • Store garlic in a cool (60°F or below), dry, and well-ventilated area.

    • Avoid refrigeration unless you plan to plant the cloves later.

    • Softneck garlic can store for up to 9 months, while hardneck varieties store for about 6 months.