Kiserian,Kenya
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July 5, 2023
Farmers Garlic Farming

Garlic Farming in Kenya: Challenges of Growing Garlic


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


Growing garlic can be a rewarding endeavor, but it does come with its own set of challenges. Here are some common challenges that garlic growers may face:

  • Selection of Wrong Varieties: more oftenly  than not farmers choose varieties that are not well adapted to their local climate leading to poor yields.
  • Planting Low Quality Seeds: planting low quality seeds leads to low yields. start right by acquiring high quality seedlings from us.
  • Soil Preparation: Garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil with good organic matter. Preparing the soil properly can be a challenge, especially if the soil is heavy or compacted. It may require amending the soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
  •  Disease and Pests: Garlic is susceptible to certain diseases and pests, such as fungal diseases (e.g., white rot, rust) and insects (e.g., onion maggots, thrips). These can damage the bulbs and reduce yields. It's important to monitor the plants regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent or manage these issues, which may involve using organic fungicides or insecticides.
  •  Weed Control: Weeds can compete with garlic plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Managing weeds can be a challenge, particularly in the early stages of growth when garlic plants are small and vulnerable. Regular weeding and mulching can help suppress weeds and maintain a clean growing environment. Weeds can be controlled manually through uprooting or chemically by using selective-herbicides .We give pest and disease management consultation.
  •  Bulb Quality and Storage: Garlic bulbs need favorable growing conditions to develop fully. Factors such as insufficient sunlight, inadequate water, or imbalanced fertilizer application can result in smaller or poorly formed bulbs. Additionally, proper curing and storage techniques are crucial to preserve garlic's quality and prevent rot or sprouting during storage. After harvesting, garlic should be hanged in a well ventilated room for curing for a month before being sold to the market.
  •  Climate and Environmental Factors: Garlic has specific temperature and climatic requirements. Extreme heat, prolonged wet conditions, or sudden temperature fluctuations can affect bulb development and cause disease issues. Growing garlic in unsuitable climates can be a challenge and may require specialized techniques such as shade cloth or cold frames to create optimal conditions.
  •  Crop Rotation: Continuous garlic cultivation in the same area can lead to a buildup of diseases and pests. To avoid these problems, crop rotation is essential. Planning and implementing a rotation schedule can be challenging, especially if space is limited or if other crops in the rotation plan have specific requirements.
  •  Harvesting and Curing: Knowing when to harvest garlic is important to ensure optimum bulb size and flavor. Timing the harvest correctly can be a challenge, as harvesting too early may result in underdeveloped bulbs, while harvesting too late can lead to splitting or deteriorating bulb quality. Proper curing, which involves drying the bulbs in a well-ventilated, dry area, is crucial to prevent spoilage and maximize storage life. We offer market links.


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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