Written and edited by Tammy 6th April 2024
(Allium sativum) Garlic.
If you're contemplating, "how hard is it to grow garlic?"......the answer is simple, it's easy!
Follow these basic steps and never buy supermarket garlic again.
**Growing garlic steps to success **
Seed source.
Once you've decided to have a go at growing your own garlic, take the time to find yourself some quality Australian owned/grown produced seed garlic.
Here are a couple of very good reasons why...
For one, there's no guarantee how old garlic purchased from in the supermarket is, particularly if it has come from overseas, it could already be months old.
Garlic from overseas is often treated with Methyl bromide to prevent pests and disease. And if you think that sounds like something nasty that's because it is. Methyl bromide is a toxic fumigant no longer used here in Australia due to its hazardous properties.
Even if it is Australian produced, garlic grown for the supermarket shelves is most aways pre-treated with growth inhibitors to prevent it from shooting.
How much do I need to plant?
It's pretty simple, think of it like this....
1 clove of garlic produces 1 new plant.
Each new plant produces roughly 10 to 12 new cloves.
So theoretically, 10 cloves planted should net you, 10 new plants equalling 100 individual cloves.
Always better to have too much than not enough I say! And remember, from what you grow, not only do you want enough to enjoy eating for the season, but you want to be able to save the same quantity for growing again next season. Ultimately you should never have to buy garlic again.
When is the perfect time to plant garlic?
Kinda any time now!
Garlic, not unlike any other bulb, needs the cold to promote growth. As we head into Autumn there's still nice warmth in the soil, but the temperatures are dropping, and the day lengths are shortening. We've come to know of this as the perfect time for bulbs.
Garlic needs 8-9 months to grow and reach maturity, so planting it now in Autumn between March and May means you'll be harvesting between November and January.
Some folks say, "Sow on Anzac Day and Harvest on Cup Day". If that makes it easier for you to remember, then there's no harm in that.
Growing requirements.
Garlic needs plenty of sun, it won't grow in a shaded spot under trees.
Find a good sunny spot in your yard or if that's not possible, grow it in a large pot or container. The advantage of growing in a pot or container is that you can plant straight into the perfect potting medium, drainage won't be an issue, and you can move it around your yard if need be.
It does prefer a free draining, good rich organic environment.
If you're sowing it into the ground add plenty of compost and good handful of blood and bone prior.
TIP** Remember to rotate your crops to avoid build-up of soil born disease, aim for a 3-year rotation. Don't go back into the same spot with the same vegetable year after year.
Spacing and depth.
Soil prepared and ready to go.
Break open the bulb if it's not already separated out into cloves.
Set aside any tiny cloves too small to plant.
Prepare a diluted solution of Seasol complete garden and Health treatment in a container and soak the cloves overnight.
Pre-soaking the cloves in Seasol with give them a massive head start. Not only will it invigorate them and stimulate growth, but it will also boost their resistance to pests and disease.
Once drained, dried off and ready to go you can begin sowing them.
Give each clove approximately 15cm space between them and sow them down to a depth of no more than 4-6cm with the pointed end facing up and the rounded end facing down.
Ongoing maintenance.
Water them in with a little more Seasol. This should see them off to a really good start.
Feed them at fortnightly intervals with a soluble fertiliser, Seasol powerFeed, and every couple of months apply some organic pelletised fertiliser of your choice, some Dynamic Lifter or Rapid Raiser, both good choices.
If seasonal rain is plentiful, you won't need to water too often. Be mindful not to let them become waterlogged or they'll be susceptible to rotting.
Keep on top of weed control, pull out weeds as they emerge to keep the garlic bed weed free.
Monitor closely for evidence of pests and fungal issues such as aphids, rust or white spot. Where present treat with a natural organic fungicide or insecticide. You don't have to always turn to a store-bought product either, look at what's in your own pantry, Bicarb Soda can be a gardeners best friend! Combine 1 tablespoon of bicarb, in a couple of litres of water and treat with that. Often just as successful, kind to the environment and even kinder on your wallet.
When and how to harvest.
Around 8-9 months after sowing, the foliage will begin to yellow and die back.
Stop watering 3-4 weeks prior to allow the skins to dry and tighten a little then they'll be ready to harvest.
Use a garden fork (not too close to the bulbs or you'll risk damaging them) to dig down and lift to loosen the soil. This should make it easier to free them from the soil.
Trim the excess roots and leaves to tidy them up.
Secure them into bunches by the stems, and hang them in a warm, airy location away from direct light for at least 3-5 weeks to dry. Failing to dry them properly will risk them not storing, spoiling and going mouldy.
Done properly they should store well for up to 12 months.
Health benefits and uses for garlic.
You could write a book about it, in fact I'm quite certain there ARE books and articles exclusively on the uses and benefits of garlic, so I won't go into that.
Safe to say, garlic IS good for you. It's amazing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immune boosting properties have been tried and tested for centuries.
And from a culinary perspective, what CAN'T you do with it.
It finds its way into my own diet almost daily, whether it be a sneaky chunk off the end of a stick of Kalleske's Mettwurst in my fridge, or in the Garlic infused extra virgin olive oil drizzled on my salad.
And I'm quite sure I'm not alone.
If you're here in my part of the world, grab yourself a pack of 'Good Aussie Garlic' seed.
Proudly grown and produced right here in our own backyard....50 minutes down the road in Bordertown SA.
Check out their website, you'll find Rachel and Wade's contact details there.
Or if you pop down to your local Naracoorte Mitre 10, they've got plenty available in store right now.
What are you waiting for, grab some garlic and get planting today!
Happy Gardening 😘🌸
Well done Tammy!