Kiserian,Kenya
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August 2, 2023
Farmers Garlic Farming

Things to Consider when Starting Garlic Farming in Kenya


Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke.

Starting a garlic farming venture in Kenya requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure its success. Here are some key things to consider:

  • 1. Climate and Soil Requirements: The right temperatures for garlic are between 12-24 °C. Extremely high temperatures are not suitable for garlic production. Garlic requires a fertile, well-drained, light soil. Clay soils should be avoided since they lead to poor bulb development. At Onion Doctor we offer Soil Testing  for a very competitive price so as to help the farmer understand the do's and dont's of the soil before planting or setting up a nursery bed. Reach to us for a quote.
  • 2.Variety Selection: 
    The three main varieties that do well in Kenya include soft-neck, hard-neck and elephant types of garlic. 
    Soft-neck is the most popular and characterizes by a white, paper-like skin with a fairly strong taste and pungent smell. It is one of the easiest variety to grow. 
    Hard-neck characterizes with a tan and purple markings. It is a variety that produces bigger and fewer cloves on each head. However, hard-neck does not store well for longer durations like in the case of soft-neck. 
    Elephant garlic is characterized by a large head and huge cloves. Moreover, it possesses a subtle flavor with a mild odor as compared to the first two types of garlic. 
    Onion Doctor we offer high-quality seedlings and also walk through you the journey till harvest.
  • 3. Land Preparation: Prepare the land by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. The soil should be tilled to a depth of at least 15-20 cm and enriched with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. 
    Onion Doctor trains farmers and gives guide on how to prepare the land before and after the planting, and maintenance through the farming.
  • 4. Planting Time: To plant garlic, separate the cloves. Plant the cloves 4-6 inches apart. The spacing between rows should be approximately 1 foot apart. The cloves should be planted with the pointed end up and the blunt end down. Push each clove 1-2” into the ground, firm the soil around it, and water the bed if it is dry. Mulching the farm after planting has advantages such as preventing the garlic roots from being heaved out of the ground, prevents weeds and conserves moisture.
  • 5. Planting Method: Using a hoe, dig and create trenches that are 25 cm deep. Sow single garlic with its root down, and its point is facing up the hole. After doing this, cover the clove with loose and airy soils. Repeat the process until all seeds have planted 6 inches apart from each other. 
    If you need trainings on how to plant your cloves, how deep is deep etc. Onion Doctor is here for you. Reach to us just for a very competitive price.
  • 6. Spacing: The ideal spacing distance for garlic cloves during planting is 10 cm. This is to allow for adequate space for formation of bulbs and avoiding competition for nutrients.
  • 7. Irrigation: Adequate water supply through irrigation is essential for garlic farming, conveniently, during dry seasons. Drip irrigation is normally suitable for garlic farming since it provides a controlled and consistent water supply. Drip irrigation also lowers the chances of fungal infections.

    Onion Doctor irrigation cost its as follows:

    1 acre= Ksh. 170,000

    1/2 acre=ksh. 85,000

    1/4 acre= ksh. 43,000

    1/8 acre= ksh. 22,000 

    Feel free to call us for any kind of services.
  • 8. Fertilization: The soil for garlic farming should be relatively dry and free of rocks and plant debris. The drip should not be set where garlic or onions had been grown for the last 2 years. During land preparation apply 16 tons per acre of well decomposed manure and dig it in. You will need 60-80kg TSP fertilizer at planting.
  • 9. Pest and Disease Management: Disease control begins with proper preventive measures. These include weed control, removal of crop residues, safe distances between plants for better aeration, and improvement of soil drainage. The general condition of the plants (nutrients and water level, sun exposure) can also boost their tolerance. 
    Weeding– weeds compete with the crop for growth factors and also harbor pathogens. Garlic is a poor competitor with weeds and therefore the garden should be kept weed free. Mulching- this helps in retention of moisture and suppression of weeds..
  • 11. Harvesting: Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the tops begin to dry and turn yellow or brown. Lift the bulbs gently using a fork, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks.
    Garlic bulbs are ready to harvest 4-5 months after they are planted.,

Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.

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