Choose the Right Garlic Variety – Select between softneck (great for mild climates) and hardneck (better for colder climates) varieties. Hardneck varieties produce larger cloves, while softneck stores longer.
Prepare the Soil – Garlic thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Loosen the soil to about 6-8 inches deep, mix in compost or organic matter to provide nutrients, and ensure the pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Plant Garlic in the Fall – Garlic is typically planted in fall (mid-September to November), about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the cloves time to develop roots before winter dormancy.
Break Apart the Bulb – Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Plant each clove pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, in rows 12 inches apart. Use the largest cloves for planting to get bigger bulbs.
Mulch and Water – After planting, cover the garlic bed with 2-4 inches of mulch (straw or leaves) to protect it during winter and retain moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
Fertilize and Care – In early spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer as garlic needs nutrients to grow well. Remove weeds regularly, as garlic doesn’t like competition, and water consistently, especially as the bulbs start to grow in spring.
Harvest and Cure – Harvest when the bottom 2-3 leaves turn yellow in mid-summer (June to August). Gently dig up the bulbs, leaving the leaves attached. Hang them in a dry, well-ventilated area to cure for 2-4 weeks. Once dried, trim the tops and roots, and store in a cool, dry place.
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