How to grow garlic with these tips? Garlic is one of the most popular and easiest herbal plants to grow. You may even be surprised at how easy it really is. Garlic has an incredible growing season, just as long as you know how to grow it properly. And by proper, mean going outdoors, preferably in a warm sunny location!
Here are some tips to get you started right away. First off, you have to plant your garlic bulb in a healthy location. And by healthy, I mean not submerged underwater. Sure, you want your plant to survive, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t allow air to reach it. Neither will it help your plant thrive.
Soil that is heavy with organic matter, like compost, will provide your garlic plant with everything it needs to grow. Also, keep the soil moist but not wet. Wet soil encourages more plant diseases, so if you are growing a crop that can be eaten, like garlic, go the extra mile and use non-hygienic soil. Better yet, just use earthworms as a natural mulch for your vegetable garden, so you don’t have to worry about pesticide or herbicide residue.
When spring comes, and you get ready to start harvesting, it’s best to store garlic in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight. This is because the plant is exposed to direct sunlight in the summer, which dries out its tender leaves. By storing your crop in a container during the winter, you allow the plant to regain lost moisture, making it easier to develop and produce larger and healthier cloves throughout the year.
Besides getting several health benefits from growing garlic in a container, you’re also creating a beautiful landscape feature. Garlic is one of the most attractive vegetables to grow in the garden. The rich, sweet-smelling, garlic scent is hard to beat. It will add color and vibrancy to any area in your yard.
Garlic does best when it is harvesting. Harvesting the plant encourages both pollination (its natural survival instinct) and healthy, quality soil. Keep in mind, harvesting should only be done when the clove is completely developed. Too early, and the plant may be over-watered. Too late, and the plant may be wasting its best-growing conditions.
As you begin to understand how to grow garlic, you’ll find many different varieties of the herb, including allium. Allium graterum is often easier to grow than garlic bulb, which has very thin, brittle leaves. This album type of garlic bulb produces small, soft cloves rather than the brittle, strong blossoms produced by allium cepa. You can harvest this type of plant rather easily. Simply cut off the top of the head, allowing the cloves to hang down.
After harvesting the plant, be sure to immediately place it in an area with good drainage. After placing it in the area, cover the plant with a layer of either straw or mulch. Place it in a sunny window on a south-facing part of the house for optimum sunlight. By following these simple steps, you’ll soon be enjoying delicious garlic all summer long! Harvest your plant just before springtime and avoid pruning the plants during the summer.
Garlic bulb requires approximately four hours of direct sunlight each day but can be planted in different locations throughout the home for more variety. Do not water the bulb during the harvest period. Instead, remove the leaves, stems and all, and transfer them to a clean glass jar, allowing the plant to absorb as much as possible water. Mulch is a great alternative to covering the plants, as it will help retain moisture and protect from pests.
In addition to growing allium cepa, a cousin of Allium sativum, you also have another great option for learning how to grow garlic with ease and enjoy the health benefits as well. Using a piece of cardboard or another medium, plant a mixture of peat, perlite, vermiculite, and coconut coir and allow the coir to soak for at least one hour. Then, using a spray bottle or hose, mist the coir deeply and lightly until the coir is moist and ready to use. These three elements are all important for maximizing the plant’s root growth potential, so it is important to make sure you use the proper tools and supplies.
It is important to consider the environment in which you are planting your new garden to learn how to grow garlic. Sunlight is a vital factor, as is watering, harvesting, timing, and other tips. Keep in mind that planting tips will vary depending on whether you are planting in the vegetable garden or in a bedding area. You should be particular to not over-water the plants, and if you have a low-level spot, you should avoid planting there as it may cause the roots to breakthrough. However, with the proper prep work and some creativity, you can ensure that your home has a fresh, tasty supply of this delicious herb in no time.