Garlic is widely used around the world for its heady flavor as a seasoning or condiment. You can use the cloves in various dishes, either cooked or raw. It is also a key component in many regional cuisines, such as central and southern Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Growing your own is simple and inexpensive, and it’s a fantastic way to get fresh garlic. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow your garlic.
Table of Contents
First- Some Cool Things About Garlic
Garlic is a versatile and healthy herb that offers many benefits when consumed. You can not only use it in numerous dishes to add flavor, but it also has many health benefits when consumed regularly.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It means it reduces swelling and pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
In addition, garlic is a good source of antioxidants. These nutrients hunt for damaging toxins and by-products that can harm cells, leading to poor health and disease.
If you’re looking to add more of this herb to your diet, there are many easy ways to do it. You can add it to soups, stews, or pasta dishes or simply roast it and eat it as a side dish. However you choose to eat it, garlic is a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.
What You’ll Need
- Garlic cloves
- Gloves
- Trowel
- A pot or container
- Potting mix
- Water
Planting Your Garlic
Step One- Filling Your Pots with Potting Mix
There are many benefits to planting garlic in a pot. You can control the soil quality and drainage much better than if you were to plant it in the ground. Additionally, your plant is less likely to experience extreme temperature changes when planted in a pot. As a result, your garlic is more likely to thrive and produce a large number of cloves.
If you use a new pot or container, prepare it before adding the potting mix. Start by washing it with soap and water, then rinse it well. Next, drill drainage holes in the bottom of the pot if necessary.
Once your pot is ready, it’s time to add the potting mix. If you use a large pot, you can shovel the mix in. For smaller pots, it’s easiest to use a trowel. Fill the pot about three-quarters full. You will also need to add some organic matter to the potting mix before planting the cloves. Once you have selected an appropriate pot and added organic matter to the mix, it is time to plant the garlic cloves.
Step Two- Planting Your Garlic
Next, take your garlic cloves and peel off the skin. Plant the cloves 4 to 6 inches apart into the potting mix. To do this, simply push the cloves into the soil about 2 down and cover them with soil.
Caring For Your Garlic
Step One- WateringÂ
When it comes to watering your garlic plant, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Garlic plants like moist soil, but they don’t like to have their roots sitting in water. So make sure the soil is evenly moist without being soggy.
Secondly, water it more frequently during hot, dry weather and less often during cooler, wet weather.
Step Two- Fertilizer
Once your garlic plants have established themselves, fertilize them every few weeks. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions. You will want to fertilize more heavily in the spring and early summer when the plants are actively growing. Cut back on fertilizer later in the season as the plants begin to go dormant.
Step Three- Curing
As your garlic begins to mature, the leaves will turn yellow and die back. At this point, stop watering the plants and allow the garlic to cure in the pot for two to three weeks. Once cured, you can remove the garlic from the pot and store it in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homegrown garlic all winter long!
Some Watering Tips
When watering your garlic plant, water the root zone and not just the leaves. Watering the leaves can do more harm than good, as it can promote fungal growth.
Secondly, always water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. Nighttime watering can lead to disease problems. Lastly, if you’re using a sprinkler to water your plant, adjust it so that the water is hitting the soil and not the leaves.
In Summary
Now that you know how to plant and take care of your garlic, it’s time to get growing! Do you have any tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments below. And be sure to come back and let us know how your crop turns out. Happy planting!
