The gardening season is slowly winding down.
Gardeners will soon be anticipating the harvest and the year-end clean up. Those activities could also include the planting of garlic.
Although garlic (Allium sativum) is not enjoyed by all, many people do savour this flavourful bulb as a cuisine favourite. It has also been used for medicinal purposes.
Once only thought of as Mediterranean, it has become a mainstream ingredient that can be successfully grown in colder climes.
The plant grows from individual cloves (seed). A single bulb contains numerous cloves. Growing garlic is therefore self-sustaining.
Garlic seed purchased from catalogues, local garden centres or farmer’s markets is best to use in the vegetable garden. Make sure the source of the garlic is determined before purchasing.
Bulbs purchased from a supermarket, are usually from China and will grow much smaller cloves.
Traditionally, planting time is mid-September to mid-October. Bulbs are cracked into individual cloves and planted into rows. They can also be placed in clusters in the flower garden. That will add to the overall design or as an insect deterrent.
Planting is relatively simple. Choose a site with full sun, where the soil has excellent drainage.
The bulb must be separated without removing any outside coverings. Larger cloves will produce the largest bulbs. Plant each clove in an upright position, with the fattest part of the clove pointing downward.
Plant the cloves 10 to 12cm apart and 5cm deep. Rows should be 25cm apart.
Container gardening can be used if it is placed in a sunny location. Anticipate the full size of the bulb when planting cloves close together or near the edge of the pot.
Amending soil with a good amount of compost, well rotted manure or a high nitrogen fertilizer will assist greatly in the overall size of the fully grown bulb.
Mulching is recommended to keep weeds down and retain moisture.
A large row marker is advantageous, especially if snow covers the planted area. Garlic will begin to shows signs of sprouting in mid-March. It is not bothered by frost or snow. The bulb requires ample moisture. If not covered with snow, a good watering is essential.
Garlic is a very amiable plant when planted with other vegetables or flowers. It will deter many insects due to its strong odour and repelling nature. It has very few pests.
It can protect some plants against certain ailments. Individual companion plant research is recommended.
By mid-summer, plants will have grown to full size and begin to send out a flower scape. This stock incorporates an elegant full curl. Many growers remove this scape in order to send more energy to produce a larger bulb. The scape can add a garlic flavour to cooking or can be easily pickled.
Much like onions, garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves are turning yellow. That is the visual clue that the bulb is ready to be picked. If it is harvested too early, the cloves will be small. If left too long, the bulb will split. As a general rule, bulbs are ready to harvest in the latter part of July.
Just before harvesting it is absolutely necessary to stop watering. This allows the soil around the bulb to completely dry out.
Unlike onions, the bulb will not loosen by pulling the dried leaves. It is best to use a garden fork and pry the bulb and the leaves completely out of the soil. This is necessary due to the fibrous root, dry soil conditions and the depth that the clove was planted.
Remove the clumps of soil and place the bulb in a dry location. It will take a few weeks before the root hairs and the dirty outer skin can be removed. Always handle the bulb with care. They must be dried properly, or they will become spongy and eventually be unusable. Never clean the bulbs by washing them.
Some growers prefer leaving the bulbs in bundles or a basket to fully dry. Bulbs should be stored in a dark ventilated area. Do not place in plastic bags, sealed containers or direct sunlight.
When choosing bulbs for cooking, always select firm, dry ones with plenty of paper covering. Heads that are showing signs of sprouting are past due or may not have been dried properly.
Bulbs that crumble when squeezed are old and should be discarded.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
