Garlic is for the Patient Gardener
Did you know it takes about 9 months to harvest garlic? After having a successful season of growing, I can definitely say it’s been worth the wait. I finally have cured garlic in my basement ready to be used in any recipe I desire. Growing garlic has been a rewarding experience that if done right will yield delicious results.
Before you start it’s important to choose the right garlic variety for your garden. There are two main types: Hardneck and Softneck. Hardneck varieties thrive in colder climates and can produce large cloves. They also have the benefit of producing a scape that you can also harvest for cooking. Softeneck varieties are suited to milder climates and have a longer shelf life.
Garlic is grown from individual cloves that still have their papery skin in tact. They are planted about 2 inches deep into the ground with the pointy side facing upwards. Garlic is usually planted in the fall to allow the cloves to establish roots before winter.
The key to a successful garlic planting is to have well-draining fertile soil. I usually add new compost and bone meal when planting garlic in my raised beds. Garlic is a heavy feeder and needs these nutrients to produce big and healthy bulbs.
Where you plant your garlic is important to the overall flow of your garden when spring arrives. Garlic needs at least 6-8 hours of sun each day. I usually plant my garlic in a location where it gets afternoon sun. In addition, I try to optimize the location of where my garlic is planted through the use of companion planting. Garlic is great planted alongside Tomatoes, Potatoes, Cabbages, Brassicas (like Broccoli and Cauliflower) and Carrots. Keep Garlic away from crops like Peas and Beans as it will stunt the growth of your plants. Herbs like Chamomile can also help to improve the flavour of your garlic. Garlic can even help to deter pests like aphids from your roses when planted around them.
The hardest part for me in growing garlic is knowing when to harvest. It’s easy to be tempted to pull your garlic too soon. After all you’ve been patiently waiting for months!! Generally garlic is ready to harvest when the lower 3 leaves turn yellow and begin to die back. If you’re not sure wait another week.
After harvesting remember to cure your garlic in a dry and ventilated space with shade for 2-3 weeks.
There is nothing better than the taste and convenience of your own homegrown garlic!
