What To Know
- While it’s easy to purchase garlic from the grocery store, growing your own garlic can be a rewarding experience that saves money and provides you with fresh, organic garlic.
- This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to plant garlic from the store, ensuring a successful harvest.
- Fertilize the garlic once a month with a balanced, organic fertilizer.
Garlic, a versatile and flavorful ingredient, is a staple in many kitchens. While it’s easy to purchase garlic from the grocery store, growing your own garlic can be a rewarding experience that saves money and provides you with fresh, organic garlic. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to plant garlic from the store, ensuring a successful harvest.
Selecting the Right Garlic
Not all garlic varieties are suitable for planting. Choose firm, plump garlic bulbs with unblemished skin. Avoid any garlic that has signs of sprouting, bruising, or mold. Look for garlic with large, individual cloves, as these will produce larger bulbs.
Preparing the Soil
Garlic thrives in well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage. Break up any large clumps of soil and remove any weeds or debris.
Breaking Apart the Cloves
Carefully separate the garlic cloves from the bulb, leaving the papery skin intact. Discard any cloves that are damaged or discolored.
Planting the Cloves
Plant the garlic cloves pointy side up, approximately 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Space the rows 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation. Gently press the cloves into the soil and cover them with loose soil.
Watering and Mulching
Water the garlic deeply after planting to settle the soil around the cloves. Mulch around the garlic with straw, leaves, or compost to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
Fertilize the garlic once a month with a balanced, organic fertilizer. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of bulb development.
Harvesting
Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Dig up the garlic bulbs carefully, avoiding damage to the roots. Allow the bulbs to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for several weeks before storing them.
Storing Garlic
Store the dried garlic in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of garlic for up to 6 months.
Troubleshooting
Garlic Cloves Not Sprouting
- Ensure the garlic cloves were planted pointy side up.
- Check the soil moisture and ensure it’s not too dry.
- Provide adequate sunlight or artificial light.
Yellowing Leaves
- Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves. Reduce watering frequency.
- Nitrogen deficiency can also cause yellowing. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
Garlic Bulbs Splitting
- Planting the garlic too deeply can cause the bulbs to split. Plant the cloves no more than 2 inches deep.
- Overwatering can also lead to bulb splitting.
Pests and Diseases
- Garlic is susceptible to pests such as aphids and thrips. Use organic pest control methods to manage infestations.
- Diseases such as white rot and fusarium wilt can affect garlic. Practice good garden hygiene and rotate crops to prevent disease.
What You Need to Learn
Can I plant any type of garlic from the store?
Not all garlic varieties are suitable for planting. Choose varieties specifically labeled as “seed garlic” or “planting garlic.”
How long does it take for garlic to grow?
Garlic takes approximately 90-120 days to mature.
Can I plant garlic in containers?
Yes, garlic can be grown in containers provided they are deep enough (at least 12 inches) and have drainage holes.
How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?
When the leaves start to turn yellow and die back, the garlic is ready to harvest.
How long can I store garlic?
Properly dried and stored garlic can last for up to 6 months.
What are the benefits of growing my own garlic?
Growing your own garlic can save money, provide you with fresh, organic garlic, and reduce your environmental footprint.
