Growing Garlic

Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinct flavour, is a staple ingredient in countless culinary creations. But did you know that you can grow your own garlic right in your garden? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the wonderful world of growing garlic, from selecting the right varieties to harvesting and storing your harvest. Get ready to elevate your dishes with homegrown garlic goodness! 

Choosing the Right Garlic Varieties:

1. Softneck Garlic: This variety is commonly found in grocery stores and is known for its long shelf life and versatility in the kitchen. It produces multiple cloves in each bulb and thrives in milder climates.
2. Hardneck Garlic: These varieties are favoured by garlic enthusiasts for their robust flavour and easy-to-peel cloves. Hardneck garlic is well-suited to colder climates and often produces a flower stalk called a scape, which can be used in cooking.

Preparing the Soil and Planting:

1. Location: Select a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Garlic prefers loose, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter.
2. Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Remove any weeds or rocks that may hinder bulb development.
3. Planting Time: In the UK, garlic is typically planted in late autumn or early winter to allow for proper root development before winter dormancy. Consult local gardening resources for precise planting dates in your region.
4. Planting Technique: Separate garlic bulbs into individual cloves, ensuring the papery skin remains intact. Plant cloves with the pointed end facing up, about 5-10 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. Space rows approximately 30 cm apart.

Care and Maintenance:

1. Watering: Garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water thoroughly but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or dried leaves, around your garlic plants. This helps conserve soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and protects bulbs from extreme temperatures.
3. Fertilising: Garlic benefits from a balanced fertiliser application during its growing season. Apply a slow-release organic fertiliser or side-dress with compost to provide necessary nutrients.
4. Scapes Removal: If you are growing hardneck garlic, remove the scapes when they appear. This encourages bulb development and allows the plant’s energy to be focused on growing larger cloves.

Harvesting and Storing:

1. Harvest Time: Garlic is ready for harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and dry out. This typically occurs in late spring or early summer. Dig carefully around the bulbs, avoiding bruising or damaging them.
2. Curing: After harvest, allow the garlic bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2-3 weeks. Hang them in bundles or place them on racks, ensuring good airflow. This curing process improves flavour and extends storage life.
3. Storage: Once cured, remove any loose dirt or outer layers of skin. Store garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, ideally at around 10-15°C. Properly cured garlic can last several months.

Growing your own garlic is a rewarding and flavorful experience. With the right variety selection, proper planting techniques, and adequate care, you can enjoy the delicious taste and numerous health benefits of homegrown garlic. So, roll up your sleeves, prepare your garden beds, and embark on the journey of cultivating this aromatic allium. Happy garlic growing!