We have an abundant supply of garlic in stock! It is a wonderful crop that is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It is easy to grow and requires very little space in the garden. Garlic is also a natural pest repellent!
PLANTING
Best time to plant garlic is in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before first expected frost date.
Plant in a spot that has not recently been used for garlic or other plants from the onion family.
Plant in a sunny spot with well drained soil.
Work several inches of compost or manure and fertilizer into the bed.
Break apart cloves from bulb a few days before planting, keep the papery husk on each individual clove.
Space the cloves 4-6" apart. Rows should be spaced one foot apart. The cloves should be planted with the pointed end up and the blunt end down. Push each clove 1-2" into the ground, firm the soil around it, and water the bed if it is dry.
After planting, lay down a protective mulch of straw. The mulch should be approximately 4 inches thick. Mulch will help prevent the garlic roots from being lifted out of the ground by freezing and thawing.
Spring Care
Mulch should be removed in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
In the spring, as warmer temperatures come, shoots will emerge through the ground.
When the leaves begin to grow, it is important to feed the garlic plants to encourage good growth. Gently work in Osmocote into the soil near each plant.
Cut off any flower shoots that emerge in spring to encourage bulb growth.
Keep well weeded. Garlic doesn’t do well with competition.
Water every 3 to 5 days during bulbing (mid-May through June).
Fertilize again just before the bulbs begin to swell usually early May.
By June remove any remaining mulch and stop watering. The garlic will store better if you allow the soil around the bulbs to dry out.
HARVESTING
Harvest garlic when most of the leaves have turned brown. This usually occurs in mid-July to early August.
Dig up bulbs (don't pull), being careful not to bruise them. If the bulbs are left in the ground too long, they may separate and will not store well.
Lay the garlic plants out to dry for 2 or 3 weeks in a shady, dry spot for two weeks.
Do not get the bulbs wet or break them apart, or the plants won't last as long.
STORAGE
The bulbs are cured and ready to store when the wrappers are dry and papery and the roots are dry.
Either tie the garlic in bunches (4 to 6), braid the leaves, or cut the stem a few inches above the bulb. Hang the braids and bunches or store the loose bulbs on screens or slatted shelves in a cool, airy location. You may want to set aside some of the largest bulbs for replanting in the fall.
During the winter months check your stored garlic bulbs often, and promptly use any that show signs of sprouting.