What To Know
- Garlic, a versatile and flavorful bulb, is a popular addition to gardens in Ontario.
- Planting garlic in Ontario is a straightforward process that can result in a bountiful harvest.
- This guide will provide you with all the necessary information on how to plant garlic in Ontario, ensuring a successful growing experience.
Garlic, a versatile and flavorful bulb, is a popular addition to gardens in Ontario. Planting garlic in Ontario is a straightforward process that can result in a bountiful harvest. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information on how to plant garlic in Ontario, ensuring a successful growing experience.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
The first step in planting garlic is choosing the right variety. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck varieties, such as ‘Music’ and ‘Red Russian,’ produce a single, central stalk with cloves arranged around it. Softneck varieties, such as ‘Artichoke’ and ‘Silverskin,’ have multiple cloves arranged in a single head.
For Ontario’s climate, hardneck varieties are generally preferred due to their better cold tolerance and higher yields.
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 12-18 inches and incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or manure.
Planting Garlic Cloves
Garlic is planted in the fall, typically in October or November. Separate the individual cloves from the bulb and discard any damaged or diseased cloves. Plant the cloves pointed side up, 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. Cover the cloves with soil and press down gently.
Mulching and Watering
After planting, cover the bed with a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to insulate the cloves and suppress weeds. Water the garlic bed deeply after planting and then water regularly throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells.
Winter Care
Garlic is a winter crop and will overwinter in the ground. In areas with severe winters, you may want to add extra mulch to protect the cloves from freezing.
Spring Care
In the spring, as the weather warms, the garlic will begin to sprout. Remove any remaining mulch and fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer. Continue watering regularly and keep the bed weed-free.
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid- to late summer, when the leaves start to turn brown and die back. Dig up the bulbs carefully using a garden fork or shovel. Allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for several weeks before storing them.
Storing Garlic
Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Ideal storage conditions are around 40-45°F and 50-60% humidity. Stored properly, garlic can last for several months.
Tips for Success
- Plant garlic in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Use high-quality, disease-free garlic cloves for planting.
- Plant the cloves pointed side up and at the correct depth.
- Mulch the bed to insulate the cloves and suppress weeds.
- Water garlic regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilize garlic in the spring.
- Harvest garlic when the leaves start to turn brown and die back.
- Store garlic in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Garlic leaves turning yellow
Possible Causes: Nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or disease
Solution: Fertilize the plants, reduce watering, or treat for disease
Problem: Garlic cloves not forming
Possible Causes: Planting too early, not enough sunlight, or lack of nutrients
Solution: Plant garlic in the fall, provide adequate sunlight, and fertilize the plants
Problem: Garlic cloves rotting
Possible Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or disease
Solution: Improve drainage, reduce watering, or treat for disease
Answers to Your Questions
1. When should I plant garlic in Ontario?
Garlic should be planted in October or November in Ontario.
2. What type of soil is best for growing garlic?
Garlic prefers well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
3. How deep should I plant garlic cloves?
Garlic cloves should be planted 2-3 inches deep.
4. How far apart should I plant garlic cloves?
Garlic cloves should be planted 6-8 inches apart.
5. How often should I water garlic plants?
Garlic plants should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
6. How do I harvest garlic?
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid- to late summer, when the leaves start to turn brown and die back.
7. How do I store garlic?
Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
