Garlic
A member of the Allium family this plant is packed full of flavor and
stores well after harvesting. Used to flavor many dishes and with many
medicinal properties, this plant is easily grown in the garden and is a
must have crop.
If you wish to grow these plants from seed please view our Links
page under Wheatgrass & Herb Garden Kits.
How to grow
The key to growing good
sized garlic bulbs is to grow them fast. By following a few rules this
is easily achieved.
Position
Garlic should be
grown in full sun as these plants are true sun lovers and will grow
better in warm soil. Garlic can be grown in open ground on the plot or
in a raised bed.
Soil
All
Alliums require an open soil with excellent drainage. To achieve this
incorporate plenty of organic matter in the form of well-rotted garden
compost or multi-purpose compost. You
can also add horticultural grit or sand to the soil to improve drainage
further.
Care
The key to growing garlic well is to
feed it regularly with a general fertilizer . It is
especially important to feed in early spring to help with the start of
the new growing period and following this feed plants regularly (every
2-3 weeks) with general purpose fertilizer to ensure
excellent growth. Watering is rarely required but in very dry weather
you can water if necessary. Keep the soil around the garlic plants weed
free with the use of a dutch hoe or hand weeding.
Harvesting
Garlic
is usually ready for harvest in early to mid-August but this will
depend on where you live and the years weather. When leaves
turn yellow/brown bulbs are usually ready to be lifted. With the use
of a trowel or fork gently lift bulbs.
You can cook with garlic as soon as it is harvested or dry it in the
sun or dry place to store and use later.
Top Tip
Do
not water log plants. Garlic will rot if over-watered or planted in
poor soil. Refrain from watering and follow our tips in the to
improving soil. This will help you to grow strong, healthy garlic
bulbs.
