What Type of Garlic to Grow?
There are two main types of garlic – hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic is easier to grow in colder climates, while softneck garlic is better suited for warmer climates. If you’re not sure which type of garlic will do best in your area, you can always ask your local nursery or gardening center for advice. Hardneck varieties include “Music,” “Chesnok Red,” and “Purple Glazer.” Softneck varieties include “Inchelium Red” and “California Early White.”
How Long Does It Take to Grow Garlic?
Before learning when to plant garlic, you need to know how long it takes to grow garlic. From start to finish, it takes about 6-8 months for garlic to fully mature. This means that if you want to harvest your garlic in the fall, you’ll need to plant it in the late winter or early spring.
How Late Can You Plant Garlic?
You can actually plant garlic pretty late in the season – as long as there are still a few weeks left before the first frost of winter. Just keep in mind that the cloves will need some time to sprout before the cold weather sets in, so don’t wait too long!
Garlic Planting Chart – When to Plant Garlic?
Garlic should be planted in the fall so that it can develop a strong root system before winter. Planting garlic in the spring will result in smaller bulbs. When planting garlic, each clove should be 3–5 inches deep and spaced 6 inches apart. Garlic will begin to sprout in late winter or early spring. Once the garlic plants are 6-8 inches tall, they should be thinned to one plant every 6-8 inches. This will ensure that the garlic bulb gets enough space to develop properly.
When to Harvest Garlic?
Now that you know when to plant garlic, you’re probably wondering when you can harvest it. Harvesting garlic typically occurs in late summer or early fall. The garlic bulbs are ready to harvest when the leaves begin to turn brown and die back.
Dig up garlic plants carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs. After harvesting, garlic can be stored for several months if it is cured properly. Curing garlic involves drying the bulbs in a warm, dry place with good airflow for 3-4 weeks. Once cured, garlic can be braided together and hung in a cool, dark place such as a basement or pantry.
How to Choose the Best Location for Planting Garlic?
When choosing a location to plant garlic, it is important to choose an area that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Garlic does not do well in areas that are wet or have poorly drained soils. It is also essential to avoid planting garlic in the same spot where other Allium species have been planted in the past few years. These include onions, chives, leeks, and shallots. Planting garlic in soil that has recently contained these other plants can increase the risk of disease.
How to Cure Harvested Garlic for Longer Storage?
Another step after learning when to plant garlic is learning how to cure garlic for storage. Curing helps to prevent rot and mold from developing, which can shorten the shelf life of your garlic.
One method for curing garlic is to dry it in the sun. Place the bulbs on a mat or cloth and leave them out in direct sunlight for three days before bringing them indoors. This method will result in less flavorful garlic, but it can be helpful if you are short on space or need to cure large amounts of garlic quickly.
Another option is to cure garlic indoors by hanging it in a well-ventilated room or garage. This method takes longer, but it can be helpful if you live in a humid climate. Simply tie the garlic bulbs into bundles and hang them upside down. Allow them to cure for two to three months before storing in a cool, dry place. Whichever method you choose, make sure to check on your garlic regularly and remove any cloves that show signs of rot or mold. By taking these steps, you can enjoy fresh garlic all year long!
Similar Posts:
- Overwintering Onions – How to Grow Winter Onions?
- What to Fertilize Your Garlic Plant With: All About Garlic Fertilizers
- When Is Wheat Harvested? A Short Guide to Wheat Harvesting Seasons
- How to Plant Potatoes – Growing Potatoes From a Sprout
- How to Grow Onions? Grow Onions From Seeds With This Easy Guide
