Last Updated on October 6, 2024
How To Grow Garlic – Ultimate Guide For High Yields
Growing garlic is a simple and rewarding process that can provide a bountiful harvest for your kitchen. In the article, we look at How To Grow Garlic – Ultimate Guide For High Yields. With a little bit of care and attention, you can easily grow high yields of garlic in your backyard. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow garlic for the ultimate harvest.
Choose the right type of garlic to grow for high yields
There are two main types of garlic to choose from – hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic is typically better for cooler weather climates, as it needs to be exposed to a freeze in order to produce larger bulbs. Softneck garlic is better for milder climates and is the type of garlic you’ll typically find in the grocery store. It also has a longer shelf life than hardneck garlic.
Buy seed garlic from a reputable supplier
Avoid planting store-bought garlic, as it’s often treated with growth inhibitors that can prevent it from sprouting properly. For the best results and high yields, buy seed garlic from a trusted supplier. We recommend Wood Prairie Family Farm in Maine, where they’ve been growing and supplying seed garlic to growers for years. They ship seed garlic in the fall, so don’t wait! Click here and use code PMG5 for 5% off your order. Seed garlic may be a bit pricier, but after your initial investment, you can save some to replant the next year.
Prepare your growing space
Garlic grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Loosen the soil in your growing space and add organic compost to provide plenty of nutrients for your garlic to grow large bulbs. Use the square foot gardening method to determine how many cloves to plant in your space. For example, if you have a 4×4 foot square bed, you can plant 4 cloves per square foot for a total of 64 cloves. See our Square Foot Spacing chart here for square foot spacing guidelines for all vegetables.
When To Plant Garlic
The best time to plant garlic is typically in the fall, when the leaves start to turn. This is because garlic is an overwintering crop, which means that it is planted in the fall and then mulched to protect it from the winter cold. As soon as the weather starts to warm up in the spring, the garlic will begin to grow again. Planting garlic in the fall allows it to become established before the freezing weather arrives, which can help ensure a successful harvest. Additionally, planting garlic in the fall allows it to grow more slowly, which can result in larger bulbs.
How to Plant Garlic in the Garden
Break apart your bulbs and plant each clove with the fat side down, about 2-3 inches deep about 4 per square foot. Cover the cloves with soil and water them well. Next, water your garlic beds regularly, but be sure not to over water. Garlic prefers moist, but not waterlogged soil. You can also add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay and protect them during the winter months.
How to Plan Garlic in Containers
To plant garlic in containers, start by breaking apart your garlic bulbs and separating the individual cloves. Place each clove in the soil with the fat side down, about 2-3 inches deep. For a 14-inch pot, plant about four cloves, spacing them evenly. Cover the cloves with soil and water thoroughly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Garlic prefers well-draining soil, so avoid overwatering, especially in containers. You can add a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide insulation during the winter months. With regular care, you’ll have a bountiful garlic harvest even in small spaces.
Harvest and cure your garlic
It’s important to pay attention to the appearance of your garlic plants when it’s time to harvest. As the leaves start to turn brown and dry, it’s a sign that your bulbs are ready to be harvested. Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Once harvested, it’s important to allow the bulbs to cure in a warm, dry place for a few weeks. An shed is a great place to cure garlic, as it provides the perfect temperature and humidity for the bulbs to dry out. It’s also important to not wash the bulbs before curing, as this can encourage rot. Allowing your garlic bulbs to cure properly will improve their storage life and ensure they are ready to be used in your cooking.
Store your garlic
Once cured, you’ll want to store the garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. This will help preserve its quality and flavor. Some good options for storing garlic include a root cellar, basement, or other cool, dry space in your home. Alternatively, you can also store garlic in the refrigerator, but be sure to keep it in a well-ventilated container to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing the bulbs to rot. The optimal temperature for storing garlic is between 56 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit, with 45 to 50% relative humidity. To ensure the best results, make sure to keep your garlic in a place that meets these conditions. Finally, remember to save your largest bulbs for replanting next season.
Growing garlic is a simple and rewarding process. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy high yields of delicious, homegrown garlic all year round.
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