09/10/2024
It's almost time to plant!!!
GARLIC GROWING TIPS
https://www.marysheirloomseeds.com/blogs/news/garlic-growing-tips
What is "seed garlic" you ask?
Seed Garlic differs from culinary garlic as it is usually larger and often times certified disease free. A Bulb is the entire head of garlic but the individual cloves are planted to form (grow) a completely new bulb.
Fall is the time to plant for best yields and highest quality bulbs. Generally plant in September–January. In very cold areas, plant by mid-October, and protect your crop with a thick layer of mulch such as straw. Expect to harvest it in June–July. One lb of garlic seed equals approx. a 25' row with 4" spacing between plants. For most garlic, expect up to 10 lb yield for every lb planted under optimal conditions.
HARDNECK
Rocambole garlic has wrappers that are can be in color, such as German Red. However, color is not the only requirement for this category, as some varieties may be white or purple colored. Rocambole scapes are more tightly curled than other varieties. Most rocambole varieties produce 8 to 10 cloves per head.
SOFTNECK
Softneck garlic, also called artichoke garlic due to their numerous cloves that give them an appearance similar to the “petals” of an artichoke head, is the most common garlic due to its excellent storage characteristics. This is the kind you will find in grocery stores.
Softnecks are the most heat tolerant of garlic, and have a sweeter, milder flavor than hardnecks. If you’re looking to make garlic braids, this is the type to grow.
Garlic is usually ignored by wildlife (pests) such as squirrels and rabbits as they do not like the scent.
Preparing your Garden for Garlic
I have grown garlic in-ground, in raised beds and containers. While I prefer raised beds, it is possible to grow in just about any type of garden.
Before you get started, find a spot that will go undisturbed for for 6 months. October is a favorite month to plant garlic and we do not harvest until late June to July. It is best to rotate your planting area so this spot should not have had garlic growing there in the last 3 years. If that's not possible, be sure to amend the soil.
If you prepare in advance, it is recommended to amend the soil with aged compost and/or aged manure during the summer. Worm castings are another popular soil amendment.
https://www.marysheirloomseeds.com/blogs/news/garlic-growing-tips
