Garlic is a fantastic crop that offers both culinary and health benefits. Whether you’re new to gardening or have some experience, this guide will take you through each step of growing garlic successfully in your garden.
Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in sunny, well-drained soil with a sandy-clay-loam texture. It prefers soil with a pH level between 6.2 and 6.8. Good drainage is essential to prevent the bulbs from rotting. To improve your soil, add compost or plant cover crops like clover or buckwheat and till them under.
Preparing Your Garden
For smaller plots, dig up the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Garlic roots like to grow deep, so well-tilled soil is beneficial. Mix in organic matter like compost to enrich the soil. A final pass with a cultivator can help break up the soil for easier planting.
Planting Time and Technique
The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. In the metro Denver area, aim to plant by mid-September. “Crack” the bulbs to separate the cloves, and plant them about 2 inches deep with the pointy end up. In dry climates, you can plant cloves directly into slightly dried soil. For wetter soils, make holes with a broom handle before planting.
Spacing and Depth
Plant cloves closely together, leaving 4 to 6 inches between them for hardneck garlic and 6 to 8 inches for elephant garlic. Closer planting helps control weeds as the plants grow. Space rows 24 to 30 inches apart to allow for easy weeding.
Mulching
Mulching is vital for maintaining consistent soil moisture and temperature. Apply several inches of straw, alfalfa, or lawn clippings right after planting to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination and when shoots are growing. Reduce watering in late spring as the bulbs mature to prevent mold or fungus.
Harvesting
Harvest garlic when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned brown. Use a pitchfork to gently lift the bulbs out of the ground, taking care not to damage the stalks.
Curing and Storage
After harvesting, cure the garlic by drying the whole plant, including the leaves, for 2 to 3 weeks in a well-ventilated area. Hang them in bunches or store loosely in mesh bags to ensure good air circulation. Trim the tops and roots after curing. Store garlic in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 50-70°F and a relative humidity of 50-60%.
