A Beginner`s Guide to Garlic Farming/Start Growing Garlic in Kenya like a Pro/+254703982228/+254706252490.
Garlic farming in Kenya is an exciting and profitable venture for beginners looking to dive into agribusiness. With its high demand in local and international markets, garlic farming in Kenya offers a unique opportunity to tap into a crop that’s both a culinary staple and a medicinal powerhouse. Whether you’re in Nyeri, Nakuru, or Meru, garlic farming in Kenya is gaining traction due to its lucrative returns and relatively low startup costs. For those new to agriculture, garlic farming in Kenya is an accessible entry point, requiring minimal space and straightforward techniques. The growing popularity of garlic farming in Kenya stems from the crop’s versatility and the fact that 80% of garlic in the Kenyan market is imported, creating a gap for local farmers to fill. If you’re ready to embark on garlic farming in Kenya, this guide will walk you through every step, optimized for beginners and packed with practical tips to ensure success. BENEFITS OF GARLIC FARMING IN KENYA STEP TO STEP GUIDE TO GROWING GARLIC 1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT GARLIC VARIETY: Selecting the right variety is crucial for success in garlic farming in Kenya. The three main types grown in Kenya are: Tip for Beginners: Start with softneck varieties like African Giant, which thrive in Kenya’s warm climate and are easier to grow and store. 2.SELECT THE PERFECT LOCATION: Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 and full sun exposure. In Kenya, Garlic does well in a vast range of climatic conditions and well-drained soils. Avoid areas where onions or garlic were grown in the past three years to prevent disease buildup. 3.PREPARE THE SOIL: Proper soil preparation is key to growing large, flavorful garlic bulbs. Follow these steps: Beginner Tip: If your soil is clay-heavy, use raised beds to prevent waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot. 4.SOURCE QUALITY SEED CLOVES: Garlic is grown from cloves, not seeds. Purchase certified, disease-free cloves from Onion Doctor, accredited suppliers or reputable garden centers. Choose large, firm cloves for better yields. Pro Tip: Avoid using supermarket garlic, as it may be treated to prevent sprouting. 5.PLANTING GARLIC: 6.IRRIGATION AND WATERING: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during early growth, but overwatering can lead to rot. Use drip irrigation for efficient water delivery, particularly in dry regions like Kajiado. Water lightly (1 inch per week) and avoid waterlogging. Beginner Tip: Install drip kits from suppliers like Onion Doctor Kenya for cost-effective irrigation. 7.FERTILIZATION: Caution: Avoid applying manure close to harvest (at least 120 days prior) to meet organic standards. 8.PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT: Common pests include thrips and nematodes, while diseases like purple blotch and white rot can affect yields. Use crop rotation, mulching, and organic pesticides like copper-based fungicides to manage these issues. 9.HARVESTING AND CURING: Garlic is ready to harvest 4–6 months after planting when the lower leaves turn yellow and dry out. Dig up bulbs carefully to avoid damage. Cure garlic undercover for 2–3 weeks in a dry, airy place to extend shelf life. Beginner Tip: Don’t remove leaves or roots during curing to preserve bulb quality. 10.MARKET YOUR GARLIC: With 80% of Kenya’s garlic imported, local markets offer great opportunities. Sell at: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS OF GARLIC FARMING IN KENYA Contact us for: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Germinated garlic cloves, Farm planning services, Soil testing, training on onion and garlic growing, 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. You can also check out our social media handles for daily updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oniondoctorke?_t=ZM-8wmsTu0qumO&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oniondoctorke?igsh=MTVoaHF3aWUydTJzaQ==Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/16SwgYn2dG/ Youtube:https://youtube.com/@oniondoctorke?si=u5Jnd-r0qU9UDYqL and Twitter: https://x.com/OnionDoctorKe?t=FR3JXlS_oN1vjjUgAtfyzg&s=09