Garlic is one of the most popular crops in gardens. It is valued for its taste, health benefits, and long shelf life. To grow large and healthy garlic, it is essential to choose the right planting time, prepare the soil, and follow the agronomic requirements. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle will discuss when it’s best to plant garlic, how to prepare the land, which varieties to choose, and how to take care of the plant. By following these tips, you will be able to achieve truly abundant yields.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Garlic: Fall or Spring?
The choice of planting period depends on the climatic conditions of your region and the type of garlic. There are two main planting periods: fall and spring.
Fall Planting of Garlic
Garlic for fall planting is winter garlic. This is the most popular method of growing this crop.
Advantages:
- High yield.
- Large heads.
- Less prone to fungal infections.
The optimal planting time is 2–4 weeks before the first frost. In central Ukraine, this is usually the second half of October.
Spring Planting of Garlic
Spring planting is for spring garlic. It is less sensitive to weather conditions but yields smaller heads.
Advantages:
- Less risk of freezing.
- Better control over growth.
Spring planting is done as soon as the soil warms up to +5…+7°C, usually in March-April.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety for Planting
Choosing the right variety affects not only the yield but also the plant’s resistance to diseases and its storage life.
Winter Garlic Varieties:
- Lyubasha — produces large heads and stores well.
- Spas — hardy to frost.
- Sofiivskyi — large cloves, resistant to pests.
Spring Garlic Varieties:
- Ukrainian White — early, gives a good yield.
- Sochi 56 — stores for a long time.
- Prometey — resistant to fungi.
Varieties should be selected based on your region. Winter varieties are better suited for northern and central areas, while spring varieties are ideal for southern regions.
How to Prepare the Soil Before Planting
Soil is the foundation for healthy plants. Proper preparation will help avoid many problems.
Steps for Soil Preparation:
- Choose a sunny location where water does not stagnate.
- Dig the land to a depth of 20–25 cm.
- Add organic fertilizers like manure or compost.
- Add ash or superphosphate to improve fertility.
- For acidic soil, neutralize it with lime.
Garlic does not like heavy, clayey soil. The best option is loam or black soil with a neutral pH.
How to Plant Garlic Properly: Depth, Spacing, Schemes
Correct planting technique is key to growing large heads.
Basic Rules:
- Planting depth:
- Winter garlic — 5–7 cm.
- Spring garlic — 3–5 cm.
- Spacing between cloves — 10–12 cm.
- Spacing between rows — 20–25 cm.
Before planting, cloves can be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or ash for disinfection.
Planting Schemes:
| Type of Garlic | Depth (cm) | Spacing Between Cloves (cm) | Spacing Between Rows (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 5–7 | 10–12 | 20–25 |
| Spring | 3–5 | 8–10 | 15–20 |
Garlic Care After Planting
Even if you plant garlic properly, without proper care, the harvest will not be high.
What to Do:
- Water regularly during dry periods, especially in spring.
- Weed and loosen the soil after rains.
- Fertilize in two stages:
- Nitrogen fertilizers — in spring.
- Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers — during the head formation period.
- Remove arrows in winter garlic if you do not plan to harvest seeds.
- Protect from pests like onion flies and nematodes.
Common Mistakes in Garlic Planting
Even experienced gardeners sometimes make mistakes that significantly reduce yield.
Most Common Mistakes:
- Planting at too early or too late times.
- Using contaminated planting material.
- Incorrect planting depth.
- Over-watering, leading to rot.
- Lack of crop rotation — garlic should not be planted in the same spot for several years in a row.
For good results, it is important to adhere to agricultural requirements and constantly monitor plant development.
When and How to Harvest Garlic
Timely harvesting is just as important as proper planting. If you delay, the heads can fall apart or rot.
Signs of Garlic Maturity:
- Leaves start turning yellow and fall over.
- The outer skin of the head dries.
- Cloves can be easily separated.
Garlic is dug up with a shovel or pitchfork, cleaned from the soil, and dried in the shade for 1–2 weeks. After that, the leaves and roots are trimmed. Garlic is stored in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Garlic planting is a process that requires attention to detail. Choose the right variety, stick to planting timings, prepare the soil, and take care of the plants. If you follow these steps correctly, garlic will reward you with a generous, healthy, and flavorful harvest.
Earlier we wrote about when to plant watermelons in open ground.