Garlic Farming in Kenya: Organic Garlic Production Kenya

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Garlic falls into two subspecies – soft-neck and hard-neck. Soft-neck varieties (A. sativum var. sativum) have a flexible stalk that is an extension of the papers that wrap the cloves. Hard-neck varieties (A. sativum var. ophioscorodon) have a stiff stalk that extends from the bottom plate of the garlic bulb to the top of the plant.

Soil Preparation

Onion doctor comes in handy with trainings, soil testing and how to fertilize your soil organically(organic farm plan), for a competitive price. Feel free to reach to us for any help.

Garlic benefits from well-drained soil with high organic matter and a near neutral pH, but it can survive in a wide range of soil types. Softneck varieties tend to be more forgiving, but all garlic can succumb to root and bulb rot when soil drainage is inadequate.

The best soil for growing seed garlic is sandy loam that is well-drained. If you your soil is clay and tends to have drainage problems, you can plant in raised rows, raised beds (at least 12 inches deep) or even large pots. It is best to get your soil amended with compost and fertilizer before planting.

Garlic responds well to increased nitrogen fertilization.Nitrogen is best applied at planting (75% of total), and in the spring at 6 inches of growth (25% of total).

Planting

Break apart garlic bulbs into individual cloves a few days prior to planting. Ideally, the protective papers surrounding each clove should be kept intact to help prevent rotting when planted.

Plant your cloves into the ground four inches deep and six to eight inches apart, making sure that the pointed ends are up. This is critical, as garlic planted upside down won’t grow nearly as big. Once planted, cover the cloves with three to five inches of organic mulch like hay or shredded leaves.

Management

• Irrigation:To achieve maximum bulb size, soil should be consistently moist throughout the production cycle. An average of 1–2 inches of water per week will allow for uninterrupted growth. Organic matter levels, mulching strategy and soil type will have an impact on frequency and duration of irrigation. Irrigation should be reduced once bulb formation slows to encourage maturation and to prevent disease. Either drip or overhead irrigation systems can be used.The following are our drip costs at Onion Doctor:1 acre=ksh. 170,000, 1/2 acre=ksh. 85,000 1/4 acre=ksh. 43,000 1/8 acre=ksh. 22,000

• Weed Management.Garlic is a poor competitor against weeds, so take proper steps prior to planting to minimize weed pressure. Using thick bedding for 2–4 weeks prior to planting and using clean, weed-seed-free straw mulch can greatly reduce weed pressure.

• Pests.

Onion thrips – These small, sucking insects leave whitish specks on leaves that result from their feeding. Insecticidal soaps can be effective on thrips.

Stem and bulb nematodes – Infestation of these nematodes causes deformation of garlic leaves and stems, resulting in stunted growth and death. Nematodes survive in plant tissues, so removal of residues and proper rotations with nonhost species can prevent issues.

• Diseases.White rot – This fungal pathogen (Sclerotium cepivorum) causes yellowing of leaves and stunted growth and crop loss. Most commonly seen in springtime in cool climates, white rot can be a devastating disease. It can be controlled using long rotations and pure seed.

• Basal rot:This disease begins with the rotting of the basal plate, which prevents water and nutrients from being transported to the foliage. Symptoms caused by this rotting include yellowing of the foliage and leaf dieback from the tips at early or intermediate stages of crop development.

Harvest/Curing

Pick a day when the soil is dry. Carefully loosen the soil and pull out the bulbs with the stalk attached. I gently knock most of the dirt off but I do not clean the bulbs until they have cured. Be careful not to bruise the bulbs.Cure garlic by hanging it in bunches, by forcing air through bulk containers, or by laying it out on racks or on the floor.

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.