It's easy to grow your own garlic in most climates.It has a long growing season, but at the end you'll have a fresh crop of garlic to store for the winter or share with friends.It's possible to grow garlic in the ground or in a pot, and it will be ready to harvest in late summer.
Step 1: To plant garlic, source it.
If you buy garlic cloves or seeds from a plant nursery that sells varieties that grow well in your area, you'll have a better chance of having a successful garlic crop.You can shop online for a wider variety of garlic.Some strains are hardy and others are stronger.It isn't necessary to have a strain that works with your climate and soil type to get garlic in grocery stores.Chemicals are usually used to make garlic last longer on the shelf.It's difficult to grow garlic that is treated.
Step 2: Plants can be planted in the fall or the spring.
You should plant garlic in the fall if you live in a northern area that gets a hard frost.Early planting of garlic will cause the bulbs to be larger and more delicious than a spring crop.If you live in a southern area that doesn't have cold winters, you can plant garlic early in the spring.You should plant garlic 6 - 8 weeks before the ground freezes.When the ground can be worked in February or March, you should plant garlic in the spring.
Step 3: Prepare a planting area.
There is a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.Use a garden rake or hoe to dig the soil.Adding compost will help the garlic grow strong and healthy.Prepare to grow garlic in a pot.Choose a pot large enough to hold the garlic you want to grow, and fill it with rich soil.
Step 4: The cloves of garlic can be planted.
Keeping the papery skin intact, divide the bulb into cloves.The cloves should be planted 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep.If the flat root side is pointing down, the garlic will grow in the wrong direction.Place the garlic cloves in the soil and pat them gently.
Step 5: The area should be mulched heavily.
If you want to protect your garlic during the winter, cover the area with 6 inches of straw.The mulch can be removed during the spring.If you want to plant garlic in the spring, be sure to mulch it.
Step 6: The flower shoots need to be cut off.
You should be able to see the garlic scapes in the early spring.If flower shoots are left to grow they will take energy away from the bulb formation and result in smaller bulbs.
Step 7: The garlic needs to be watered.
During the growing season, water the garlic every 3 to 5 days.It's time to water when the soil gets dry and dusty.During the fall and winter, garlic plants don't need water.
Step 8: As needed,fertilize and weed.
If the garlic shoots are limp in the middle of the growing season, you can dress them with fertilization to make them perk up.The garlic doesn't have to compete with other plants for water and nutrition if the bed is weeded.
Step 9: When the tops turn yellow, harvest them.
At the end of the growing season in July or August, the garlic plants will start to fall over and die.It's time to harvest the garlic.The garlic won't be good to eat if you harvest it too late.It won't cure properly if garlic is harvested too early.
Step 10: Don't break the bulbs by removing them from the ground.
Don't break the cloves by using a spade to dig around the garlic bulbs.Remove excess dirt.The garlic stem can be left on the bulb.
Step 11: Allow the bulbs to cure for 2 weeks.
It's necessary to let the garlic cure before you use it.The bulb will become firm as the skin becomes dry.The garlic should be stored in a dry place.The garlic bulbs can be cured in a storage bin.Make sure they have enough air circulation.One way to cure and store garlic is to leave the stems attached and braid them, then hang the garlic in a dry place.You can cure garlic by hanging the cloves upside down in a shaded area with the leaves attached.
Step 12: When the skin is dry and papery, use garlic.
The cloves should be easy to pull apart.
Step 13: Next season's planting needs the best bulbs.
Pick out some large bulbs to plant in the fall or early spring.Next season's plants should be big and tasty if you choose the best looking bulbs.