Timing is Key:
Plant garlic in autumn for a spring harvest to ensure strong roots and robust bulbs.
Select the Right Garlic:
Choose high-quality garlic bulbs, considering softneck for milder climates and hardneck for flavor.
Prepare the Soil:
Loosen soil and add compost to improve fertility, aiming for a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Planting:
Separate cloves, plant pointed end up, 2 inches deep, and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Mulch and Water:
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, watering thoroughly after planting.
Care:
Keep soil consistently moist, remove weeds, and replenish mulch throughout fall and winter.
Spring Maintenance:
Monitor moisture, remove flower stalks, and provide water as needed for bulb growth.
Harvesting:
Harvest when lower leaves turn yellow and bulbs are plump, using a garden fork to lift carefully.
Curing and Storing:
- Cure bulbs in a warm, dry area for 2-3 weeks, then trim roots and foliage before storing in a cool, dry place.
- With these steps, you can plant garlic in autumn and enjoy a bountiful spring harvest for all your culinary needs.
