Tips for a Successful Harvest
It can certainly be frustrating when you feel like you’ve followed instructions but still aren’t met with success. While garlic cultivation is fairly straightforward, you can still run into issues. Therefore, for growing garlic, we keep these important tips in mind:
- Purchase your “seed garlic” from a local garden center or nursery; do not use bulbs purchased from the grocery store. Seed garlic is prepared specifically for the purpose of fall planting, whereas most grocery bulbs are treated to prevent sprouting.
- Garlic grows best in rich, well-drained, loamy soil at a neutral pH. This means that heavy-clay soils, very sandy or poor-draining soils can severely impact growth and development. Consider a home-made soil test or purchasing a kit to help you determine your soil composition and amend your soil accordingly.
- Timing is everything, when it comes to growing garlic, a general rule of thumb is to plant at least 4 weeks before the first frost. This allows the garlic to have enough time to establish a root system but avoids premature sprouting therefore smaller eventual bulb size. Some recommend waiting until after the Autumnal Equinox (mid-September), but we often review first frost dates from previous years and plan using those dates
- In the summer, cut your garlic scapes only when they begin to curl. Scapes are the flowering stalks of garlic that need to be cut in order for energy to be sent towards the growing bulbs. Cut too soon and the plant loses out on an important energy producer.
Growing Garlic Troubleshooting
Small garlic bulbs at harvest
Many things can affect the bulb size. An average garlic bulb should have anywhere from 6-12 cloves in it and can range from 1.5-3 inches in diameter. Things to consider in order of causing this problem: inadequate soil, not spacing garlic at least 6 inches apart, untimely removal or not removing garlic scapes at all or even improper watering. Start at the soil and make your way through the list.
Very little or nothing coming up after the winter
Generally, you can expect your garlic to pop in the Spring. If you’re not seeing as much coming through, consider the size and quality of the seed garlic you utilized and your method of mulching or providing additional insulation. This is especially important in areas that see harsher winters.
Moldy garlic during long-term storage
While it’s perfectly safe (and delicious) to eat garlic straight from the ground–most of us are growing garlic to be able to store and use it throughout the year. Should you find mold on yours, reconsider your curing process (drying freshly picked garlic with all parts attached) and review your storage. Mold grows where there’s humidity. Increase air flow, decrease humidity for best results.
Julie notes, “if you find a moldy bulb, remove it from the rest immediately and try and investigate the cause. Mold can spread quickly. Be sure your storing in a cool, dry well-ventilated place. Another important tip, is to avoid watering your garlic at least a week before your intended harvest. This means less overall moisture for the curing process to eliminate”.
Checklist for a Successful Harvest
May your garlic harvests be bountiful and may your garlic last you until next season. For more inspiration on all things home, garden and lifestyle, keep reading on the Wild Blog. And, if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
