Category: Farming

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 whatsapp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. In Kenya, the best times for growing garlic depend on the specific region and climate. Generally, garlic is considered a cool-season crop and is grown during the dry season or cool months. Please note this article applies to farmers who intend to rely on rain-fed farming . Farmers who use irrigation can grow garlic anytime of the year. Here are some recommendations for the best times to grow garlic in different parts of Kenya: With irrigation factored in, Garlic can be produced in most parts of the country and at any time of the year. The farm gate price of garlic varies from 200 -250khs/kilo. 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.

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 WhatsApp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Garlic farming in Kenya has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing demand for garlic both domestically and internationally. Several farmers in Kenya have found success in garlic cultivation, and here are a few stories of their achievements: These success stories highlight the potential of garlic farming in Kenya. By adopting modern techniques, focusing on quality, and creating market linkages, farmers have been able to turn garlic cultivation into a profitable venture, contributing to their own prosperity as well as the agricultural sector in the country. 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.

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. Garlic (Allium sativum) is usually grown outdoors for its edible bulbs and greens. However, with a bit of skill, garlic can be grown indoors in pots, which is a particularly good solution for urban growers who don’t have the space for a large outdoor garden. If you need help on how to grow garlic indoors, we Onion Doctor are here to hold your hand, trainings and guidelines we offer for a smooth journey. Reach to us for more information at a very competitive price. Where to Plant Garlic Indoors: Compared to many other vegetables, garlic is a compact grower, which makes it relatively easy to keep in containers. Garlic can be grown indoors in a simple terra-cotta pot at least 6 inches deep and filled with well-draining potting soil, as long as it has a drainage hole. Choose an indoor location that receives six to eight hours of bright light daily—garlic thrives with lots of sunlight. If bright light isn’t available, growing the garlic under a grow light is an option, but the plants won’t be as robust as those grown in natural light. How and When to Plant Garlic Indoors: The best time to plant garlic indoors depends on whether you want to grow greens or bulbs. If you’re content growing only garlic greens, you can plant garlic cloves indoors anytime. However, if you want to grow plump and delicious garlic bulbs, aim to plant the garlic cloves early . Garlic cloves planted early in the  year produce harvestable bulbs by the following season. If you want to grow garlic for greens, plant multiple cloves in a single pot, but make sure the cloves aren’t touching. In about 7 to 10 days, garlic greens will emerge, and you can snip them off to use in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. Leaving about 1 inch of greens on the cloves encourages them to resprout, delivering a few harvests of greens before the cloves are exhausted. follow these steps: Chill the garlic. When grown outdoors in gardens, garlic is planted in hot season and enters a dormant state in cold season, which is necessary for bulb formation. When you grow garlic indoors, you need to replicate the cold temperatures of a the garden. Both soft-neck and hard-neck garlic cloves should be chilled for several weeks before planting. You can do this either by placing garlic cloves in your refrigerator or potting up the garlic and placing the pots outside for a few weeks when the temperatures are cool. This brief period of cold encourages garlic cloves to germinate and is an essential step for growing garlic bulbs indoors. Separate the cloves. After chilling the garlic bulbs, gently break the garlic cloves apart with your fingers, keeping as much papery skin on the cloves as possible. As you work, inspect the cloves and discard any that look damaged, moldy, or soft. Add soil. Next, fill the growing container with a standard, well-draining potting mix, adding enough mix to reach about 2 inches below the pot’s rim. Place the cloves. Place the garlic cloves, pointed ends up, in the pot and press each clove about halfway into the potting mix. If you want to grow multiple garlic cloves in a single pot, space each clove at least 6 inches apart. Pour in more soil. After planting the garlic, fill the pot with more potting mix so each garlic clove is covered with about 1/2 inch of soil. Gently firm the potting mix around the garlic and water the cloves. 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.

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. There are more than a few types of garlic you can get from a farmer market and use in recipes. HOW MANY TYPES OF GARLIC ARE THERE? Garlic is divided into two main subspecies: the softneck (Allium sativum sativum) and the hardneck (Allium stivum ophioscorodon). There are at least two major varieties under the softneck subspecies and nine under the hardneck subspecies. Each variety has various name selections , which vary in flavor more than you might think. Both subspecies grow cloves in the ground, but the flavors vary in suitable growing conditions and climates. One thing that is commonly true about garlic is that all types seemly pair well with all common cooking applications. Additionally, all garlic varieties share the same medicinal properties. HARDNECK GARLIC: The hard-neck variety develops stiff stalks that grow tiny aerial cloves called bulbils in a process called bolting. The stiff stalks that are sometimes tender coil down to look like long, curly beans called garlic scapes. Hard-neck variety garlic has been originally developed from wild garlics. Hard-neck garlic is characterized by fewer large cloves that come in a wider range of colors and strong flavors. In addition to larger cloves, the hard-necks are also quite easy to peel. A common practice with hard-necks dictates that stalks should be trimmed under sunny conditions to focus all growth energy into the garlic bulbs. Rocambole: If you want to grow garlic, rocambole garlic can give you the most flavor. The cloves on rocambole garlic are a little bit brownish, but they have a rich, sweet flavor. Rocambole garlic stalks uniquely form loops near the top. The only downside to this garlic variety is its very short shelf life. Popular cultivars of the rocambole variety include Russian red and Spanish roja. Creole: Creole garlic likes warm climates and produces red and purple garlic bulbs. They are not as large as other hard-necks, but they pack enough flavor and store pretty well. Creole hard-neck cultivars include the burgundy and the Creole red. Purple Stripe: Purple stripe garlic has been around the Caucasus for thousands of years. They are considered the ancestors of other garlic varieties. The purple stripe variety has a rich, mild flavor, and the skin has vibrant purple stripes. Depending on the weather conditions, they can be quite silvery instead of that vivid purple hue. Glazed Purple: Stripe Glazed purple stripe garlic has fewer cloves coming in varying sizes. Some cloves within the bulb do not grow as large as others, and the cloves do not share the same level of flavor as other hardneck varieties. This type of garlic has a strong, metallic appearance, usually silver with streaks of purple. SOFTNECK GARLIC: On the other hand, the softneck subspecies initially came from hardneck varieties. Garlic varieties from the soft necked subspecies do not grow the flower stalk that is very obvious in hard necked varieties. Instead, they grow soft stalks that are easy to braid. With smaller, hard-to-peel cloves, softnecks often give out a spice flavor. Softnecks mature faster than hadrnecks, and they produce more cloves per plant. Because of these properties, softnecks are more commercially grown than hardnecks. They are what you commonly find in grocery stores. Silverskin Garlic: Silverskin cloves tend to sprout later than artichoke cloves. The cloves are usually white and shaped like teardrops. Silverskin garlic are the cultivar with the most extended shelf-life. Artichoke Garlic: Artichoke garlic is the most common variety of garlic you can find in grocery stores. Its cloves are larger than silverskin garlic, but they look flat compared to the cloves of other types. You can harvest artichoke garlic earlier in the season. They grow fast because of their capability to adapt to different growing conditions and soil types. 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.

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 WhatsApp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Growing garlic in a kitchen garden can be a rewarding experience. Garlic is relatively easy to grow, and it doesn’t require a large amount of space. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow garlic in your kitchen garden: Varieties Soft-neck is the most popular and characterizes by a white, paper-like skin with a fairly strong taste and pungent smell. Hard-neck characterizes with a tan and purple markings. It is a variety that produces bigger and fewer cloves on each head. Preparing the Soil Prepare the garden, break the ground, remove the weeds to avoid competition of nutrients in the soil. The most important considerations for soil when it comes to planting garlic are soil structure and soil fertility. With soil structure, you want to make sure your soil isn’t too heavy (clay) or too light (sand)for this we offer soil testing. Retaining water using our quality Drip irrigation system and nutrients prevents the soil not to be waterlogged. Planting Time Garlic can be planted any month of the year with proper irrigation. It takes 4-5 months after planting to be mature. Planting Depth and Spacing Plant the garlic cloves about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward. Space the cloves about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows, and leave around 12 inches between rows. This spacing will allow the bulbs to develop properly. Mulching After planting, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to protect the garlic from extreme temperatures and weed growth. Mulching also helps retain moisture in the soil. Watering Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. . One inch of water or rainfall a week is needed for optimal growth. Garlic prefers even moisture. Uneven moisture will cause irregular shaped bulbs. Drip irrigation works best for garlic and for water conservation. we offer Drip Irrigation system and Drip installation.  Fertilizing Garlic plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer application. About a month after planting, you can side-dress the plants with a slow-release organic fertilizer .Fertilizing your garlic can occur either by side dressing or broadcasting fertilizer over the entire bed. The best garlic plant fertilizer will be high in nitrogen, those containing blood meal or a synthetic source of nitrogen. To side-dress, work the fertilizer in an inch (2.5 cm.) down or so and about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) from the plant. Fertilize every three to four weeks. Removing Scapes Hard-neck garlic varieties produce scapes, which are curly, flower-like stalks that emerge from the plant. To encourage larger bulb formation, it’s recommended to snap off the scapes when they appear. Scapes are edible and can be used in cooking. Harvesting Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the lower leaves start turning yellow and drying out. Lift the bulbs gently from the soil using a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Allow the bulbs to cure by drying them in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few weeks. Storing Once the garlic bulbs are fully cured, brush off any loose soil and trim the roots and foliage. Store the garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. 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.

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. Garlic farming is a lucrative business that requires proper land preparation to achieve maximum yields. If you’re planning to venture into garlic farming, you need to understand the right techniques of preparing land to ensure your crop grows healthy and disease-free. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step approach on how to prepare land for garlic farming in Kenya. Step 1: Soil Testing:  The first step in preparing land for garlic farming is to conduct a soil test. This will help you determine the soil type, pH level, nutrient content, and other factors that could affect the growth of your garlic crop. To conduct a soil test,  technician should collect a sample of soil from different areas of your land and send it to a  soil testing laboratory for analysis. The results of the soil test will guide you in determining the right type and amount of fertilizer to use on your farm. That’s where we Onion Doctor comes in with our services, that are high-quality for soil testing and on top of that we train and guide you on which is the best fertilizer to use for a high yield harvest.  Step 2: Land Clearing:  Clear the land of any debris, weeds, or other plants that could hinder the growth of garlic. Use a hoe or a tractor to clear the land. Do you need guidelines and trainings from professionals on hacks on how to clear your land? Look no further, we Onion Doctor are at your service, we offer on farm trainings on how to prep the land for garlic farming. At a very competitive price you will get more information and help you need. Step 3: Tilling: Tilling is the process of breaking up the soil to create a suitable seedbed for your garlic crop. Use a plow, disc harrow, or cultivator to till the land to a depth of at least 15 cm. This will help to aerate the soil and create a loose seedbed that allows for easy penetration of roots. Step 4: Leveling: After tilling, level the land to ensure that it’s flat and even. This will help to prevent waterlogging and ensure that the garlic plants receive an even distribution of water and nutrients. Step 5: Applying Fertilizer: After leveling, apply the recommended amount of fertilizer to the soil based on the soil test results. Garlic requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Therefore, use a fertilizer that contains these nutrients in the right amounts. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this could lead to the burning of the garlic bulbs. Step 6: Mulching: Mulching involves covering the soil with organic materials such as leaves, grass, or straw. Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and prevent soil erosion. Spread a layer of mulch about 5 cm thick over the soil. Step 7: Planting: Finally, it’s time to plant your garlic crop. Plant the garlic cloves about 2 cm deep and 10 cm apart. Cover the cloves with soil and water the soil gently. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. 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.

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 Whatsapp +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Greenhouse garlic farming in Kenya is an excellent way to control the growing environment and maximize production. However, it is not economically viable to construct a greenhouse for garlic farming. The garlic crop acts as a good rotational crop to greenhouse crops such as: tomatoes. Here are some key points to consider when engaging in greenhouse garlic farming: Planting garlic in a greenhouse To plant garlic in a greenhouse successfully, using seed cloves or bulbils, along with proper spacing and planting depth, is the solution. In this section, we will dive into these sub-sections, exploring the best practices to ensure healthy garlic growth. Using seed cloves or bulbils When planting garlic in a greenhouse, you have two options – seed cloves or bulbils! Here are some key points to note: Proper spacing and planting depth Plant each clove just below the surface of the soil (about 2.5cm deep) with the pointed end facing up. They should be 10-15cm apart. For several rows of garlic, space the rows roughly 30cm apart. This will give them plenty of space and help with weeding. Watering requirements Simply water the soil if it is dry (around 2-4 inches every four days). Never pour water over the crowns. Decrease irrigating when it stops producing fresh leaves and starts to develop bulbs. Use a drip irrigation system or water near the base of the plant. Mulching helps keep the soil moist and protect roots. Importance of fertilizing Fertilizing is also important. Use a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium early in the growing season and again when the bulb forms. Too much nitrogen gives lush foliage but smaller bulbs. Common garlic problems Garlic does not grow fully with competition so make sure it is properly weeded. White Rot is a fungus that can strike garlic in a cold climate. It upsets the bottom of the roots and leaves. It can be solved by rotating crops. Bulb mites seldom hurt garlic. It is feeding on stalk bases and bulbs. You may also want to proceed with crop rotation to kill these mites. Birds can sometimes be a problem. They can destroy the seedlings, garlic shoots, and leaves. However, this shouldn’t be a problem in your greenhouse. Natural and chemical pest control methods For pest and disease control, natural and chemical methods may be used. Organic growers may prefer natural methods while conventional farmers lean towards chemicals. Natural methods include: Chemical methods include: Harvesting and storing garlic The sign is to observe for yellow crowns before they become totally dry. The bulbs are ripe when most of the low-hanging leaves are browned. When the leaves become brown, they start falling off. Harvest before all leaves fall off or when the plant has four or five leaves left. Dig, do not uproot! Remember that reckless reaping can injure a quality crop of garlic. You may need a fork or scoop to lift the bulb from the soil and then dry it out. Enjoy! Cure in a warm, dry place with good air flow for two to four weeks. Outer layers should be papery and cloves hardened. 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.