Seems like summer is flying by and we will be sliding into planting season before we know it! We will be rotating our garlic into a new bed that has had successive plantings of cover crops to help enrich the soil health and reduce disease. Where we plant garlic is important, choosing the right location is key to a successful garlic harvest. We have a couple of tips to help you choose the best site for planting.
1. Sunlight Exposure
Garlic needs full sun, so select a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Too much shade and it will not thrive.
2. Soil Quality
Choose an area that has well drained, loose soil. Garlic does not like to be wet and can rot if water does not drain properly. Heavier soils will need to be worked up and amended with organic matter, Compost, manure and peat moss work well. Make sure the manure is well aged.
Make sure that it is a site that has not previously had Alliums (garlic, onions, shallots) planted there. Rotation is important to help prevent disease and pests. I know some people continue to have success planting in the same area, but it is good practice to rotate if possible.
Weeding, everyone's favorite job! Make sure to remove all weeds from the area. Garlic does not like competition for nutrients. Weed regularly starting in the spring.
3. pH Levels
Garlic prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.2 and 6.8. You can test yourself or if you have a local cooperative extension, you can submit a sample for testing there.
4. Spacing and size
Garlic cloves should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Make sure to plan for enough area to space cloves properly. Don't be tempted to crowd the garlic, it needs room to reach its full potential. If using a smaller area, you can forgo doing rows but make sure that you can easily access all of the area for weeding.
5. Watering
Ensure the location has access to consistent moisture but has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. In most cases you will not need to water your garlic, however, we have had dry years when we have had to do so. Make sure you have the availability to supplement if needed.
6. Climate Compatibility
Consider your climate zone and choose garlic varieties that are best suited for your region. What thrives in the North will not always be successful in the South and vice versa. Research the varieties and what people are growing successfully around you. There are lots of great resources online and fellow garlic growers are always happy to answer questions!
Garlic does just fine planted directly in the ground providing you follow the tips above. Can you plant in a raised bed? Yes, just make sure that it is at least 6" deep to allow enough room for growth. You will have to watch it more closely to make sure that it is neither too wet or dry and amend soil if needed.
Can you plant in pots? Some do but I do not recommend it. Pots can either dry out too quickly or get waterlogged. There are too many variables and a tendency to crowd too much into the pots. If you do not have a raised bed or ability to plant in the ground and want to grow garlic, I would recommend large grow bags that can drain and breath more easily. Make sure to maintain the proper spacing.
Follow these steps to set the stage for your successful garlic garden. With the right preparation and care, you'll soon be enjoying your own homegrown garlic!
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