How to grow Garlic: The Complete guide to a rich harvest

Garlic is one of the most rewarding and versatile crops you can grow in your garden. Not only is it an essential ingredient in the kitchen, but it's also easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal all the secrets to obtaining healthy, flavorful, and large-sized garlic bulbs.

Why Grow Garlic at Home?

Growing your own garlic offers numerous advantages over buying it from stores. First of all, you'll always have fresh, highest-quality garlic available, with a more intense and aromatic flavor. Additionally, you can choose from different varieties, each with unique characteristics of flavor and storage.

When to Plant Garlic: Perfect Timing

The secret to successful cultivation lies in the right timing:

Ideal period: From October to December, before intense frosts arrive. Garlic needs a cold period (vernalization) to form bulbs.

Temperatures: Garlic germinates better when soil temperatures are between 10-15°C (50-59°F).

Southern regions: You can also plant in January-February, but the best results are obtained with autumn sowing.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Garlic thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter:

Soil type: Prefers sandy or clay-sandy soils with pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Preparation: Work the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm (8-10 inches), incorporating mature compost or well-decomposed manure.

Drainage: Ensure that water doesn't pool, which is fatal for garlic bulbs.

Exposure: Choose a sunny position with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How to Plant Garlic: Step by Step

1. Separating cloves: Gently separate the cloves from the bulb just before sowing, keeping the protective skin intact.

2. Selection: Choose only the largest and healthiest cloves, discarding those that are damaged or too small.

3. Planting depth: Plant cloves with the pointed end facing up, at a depth of 3-5 cm (1-2 inches).

4. Spacing: Maintain a distance of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) between cloves and 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) between rows.

5. Covering: Cover lightly with fine soil and compact gently.

Care and Maintenance During Growth

Irrigation: Garlic needs regular but moderate watering. Reduce water in the last weeks before harvest.

Weeding: Keep the soil free from weeds with light and regular hoeing.

Fertilization: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring when the first shoots appear.

Scape removal: If growing hardneck varieties, remove flower stalks to concentrate energy in the bulb.

Common Problems and Solutions

Bulb rot: Caused by water excess. Solution: improve drainage and reduce irrigation.

Garlic rust: Fungal disease causing orange spots. Treatment: copper-based products.

Thrips: Small insects that damage leaves. Control: natural insecticides or sticky traps.

When and How to Harvest

The timing of harvest is crucial for the quality of the final product:

Maturity signs: The basal leaves begin to yellow and dry, while 5-6 green leaves remain in the upper part.

Period: Generally between June and July, about 8-10 months after sowing.

Technique: Gently extract bulbs with a fork, avoiding damage to the roots.

Cleaning: Remove excess soil but leave roots and leaves for drying.

Drying and Storage

Drying: Leave bulbs in the sun for 2-3 days, then transfer to a ventilated and dry place for 2-3 weeks.

Final cleaning: Cut roots and leaves, leaving about 2 cm (0.8 inches) from the bulb.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and dark place. Well-stored garlic can last 6-8 months.

Expert Tips to Maximize Your Harvest

Crop rotation: Don't grow garlic in the same soil for at least 3-4 consecutive years.

Companion planting: Garlic grows well near tomatoes, peppers, and roses, helping to repel pests.

Quality seeds: Always invest in certified seed cloves to ensure pure varieties free from diseases.

Mulching: Use straw or dry leaves to maintain moisture and control weeds.

Discover HERE our selection of garlic varieties for sowing, all certified and selected to guarantee the best results in your garden. Order today and start your garlic growing adventure!