Hey there, aspiring green thumbs! Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy pasta dish laced with homegrown garlic that’s so flavorful. Garlic farming isn’t just about cultivating a staple kitchen ingredient—it’s an adventure in your backyard that rewards you with pungent bulbs, health boosts, and the satisfaction of saying, “I grew that!” Whether you’re a city dweller with a sunny balcony or a suburbanite with a patch of soil, this guide will walk you through every step to turn you into a garlic guru. Let’s dive in and unearth the secrets of growing garlic like a pro.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GARLIC VARIETY: HARDNECK VS SOFTNECK SHOWDOWN:
Not all garlic is created equal—picking the best variety is key to success, especially for beginners. There are two main types: hardneck and softneck.
- Hardneck Garlic: Ideal for colder climates (USDA zones 1-5), these varieties are flavorful with fewer, larger cloves. They produce scapes in summer, which you can harvest for pesto. Top picks for beginners include ‘Russian Giant’ (huge bulbs over 2.25 inches) and ‘Carcassonne Wight’ for complex tastes. They’re cold-hardy but store for 3-4 months.
- Softneck Garlic: Better for warmer areas (zones 8-12), these store longer (up to 10 months) and are great for braiding. Try ‘Solent Wight’ or supermarket-style varieties. They’re milder but prolific.
Always buy certified seed garlic from Onion Doctor. Order early, as popular varieties sell out!
PREPARING YOUR SOIL AND SITE: SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS:
Garlic thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Test your soil and amend as needed: add compost or aged manure for nutrients, and lime if it’s too acidic.
Loosen the soil 6-8 inches deep, mixing in bone meal or a fertilizer. Avoid fresh manure—it can introduce diseases. If your yard is soggy, opt for raised beds or containers (at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes).
PLANTING GARLIC: TIMING AND TECHNIQUE FOR BULB BLISS:
Timing is everything!
Steps to plant like a pro:
- Break bulbs into cloves (don’t peel!) just before planting—discard damaged ones.
- Dig furrows 2 inches deep, 1 foot apart.
- Plant cloves pointy-end up, 4-6 inches apart, 2-4 inches deep (deeper in cold climates).
- Cover with soil, mulch with straw for insulation, and water lightly.
CARING FOR YOUR GARLIC PLANTS: WATER,WEED AND WATCH:
Once planted, garlic is low-maintenance but needs Tender Love and Care. Water during dry spells (especially spring), but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
HARVESTING AND CURING GARLIC:
Harvest when lower leaves yellow . Gently lift with a fork—don’t pull, or you’ll bruise bulbs.
Cure by laying bulbs in a shady, airy spot for 2-3 weeks until skins are papery. Trim roots and stems (or braid softnecks for storage).
Yield? One bulb plants 10-20 cloves, each becoming a new bulb—exponential growth!
STORING AND USING YOUR HARVEST: FROM GARDEN TO GOURMET:
Store cured garlic in a cool, dry place in mesh bags or braids. Hardnecks last 3-4 months; softnecks up to 10. Check monthly for sprouts.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
Don’t sabotage your success! Top blunders:
- Planting too late or shallow—leads to small bulbs or heaving.
- Using grocery garlic—often won’t sprout.
- Overwatering or poor drainage—hello, rot!
- Ignoring weeds or pests—garlic needs space.
- Harvesting too early/late—wait for yellow leaves.
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.