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Garlic

Allium sativum

INTRODUCTION

Garlic, closely related to Onions and Shallots, is not grown from seed but individual cloves from a garlic bulb.

Originating from Asia and in cultivation since Egyptian times, it is used in kitchens the world over and also has certain medicinal properties. Garlic is easy to grow with some attention to detail and is available in a range of varieties of different flavours and keeping capabilities.

If growing space is a problem, they can be produced in pots.

Soil Preparation

Garlic will be at its happiest in a very sunny sheltered spot, away from prevailing winds.

For the very best crops, the soil should be deeply cultivated, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained. Garlic detests wet soils.

Add plenty of well-rotted organic material well ahead of planting.

Prepare the seedbed by removing any weed from the soil and rake level to a fine tilth.

Sowing & Planting

There are two types of Garlic, Hardnecks and Softnecks.

Hardnecks produce a flowering spike called a 'Scape' which is also edible. Softnecks don't produce scapes but have longer storage potential. and are a better bet if you wish to store Garlic long term. 

Garlic is not normally produced from seed for home garden use. Instead, individual cloves are separated from Garlic bulbs or heads. Each bulb should provide 8-10 viable cloves.

Autumn is the preferred planting time with October and November being prime months. It is essential that Garlic receives a period of cold to develop properly.

If you miss the autumn window, planting can take place during the following spring in February or March but the resulting harvests will be smaller.

Some varieties, however, are only suited to autumn planting. Always follow individual varietal instructions.

Plant cloves, growing point upwards, just below soil level, 2.5cm (1 inch) deep.

Allow 15cm (6 inches) between cloves and 30cm (12 inches) between individual rows.

As an alternative, plant cloves into a 10cm pot or large module seed tray and overwinter for planting out in the spring.

Growing & General Cultivation

Garlic, once established, is an undemanding crop to produce.

Water during hot weather with an occasional feed.

Keep plants weed-free as they hate competition and won't appreciate being shaded.

Take care when hoeing not to damage developing bulbs.

Pests & Diseases

Garlic, in general, is a relatively trouble-free crop but the occasional issue may arise:

Birds may pull cloves out of the ground whilst searching for food. Simply replant. Covering crops with fleece cloches will eliminate the problem.

Onion White Rot is a soil-borne fungal disease and a serious problem if you have it. It will affect all members of the Allium family and can persist in the soil for twenty years or more. Avoid growing any Onion related crops in the same soil. 

Onion Fly will result in plants collapsing. The larvae eat roots in early summer, particularly during very dry weather. Cover susceptible growing areas with fleece.

Downy mildew which shows as yellow patches on foliage and affected leaves should be removed. To prevent, ensure good air circulation and low humidity. It is more prevalent in new growth. 

Harvesting

Garlic can be harvested early while still growing. This is known as 'Green' or 'Wet' Garlic but will have to be consumed immediately as it will not store.

Lift Garlic for storing when foliage begins to die down. Autumn planted crops will mature earlier than spring-planted.

Allow harvests to cure by drying fully.

Store in an airy frost-free position where Garlic should keep for up to 10 months.

Softnecks will store for a longer period than Hardnecks. Take this into consideration when selecting varieties to grow.

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