Growing garlic from a clove is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can do. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, planting garlic is a great way to add flavor to your meals and improve your health. Garlic is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels. That’s why today we’re sharing how to grow garlic from a clove.
To get started, you’ll need a few basic supplies, including garlic cloves, soil, and a container or garden bed. Garlic cloves are the individual sections of a garlic bulb, and each clove can be planted to grow a new garlic plant. When selecting your garlic cloves, be sure to choose large, healthy cloves with no signs of damage or disease. Planting garlic is a simple process that involves burying the cloves in soil and waiting for them to sprout. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious garlic to enjoy.
Pro Tip: We like to purchase organic cloves from our local farmers market for planting!
Types of Garlic
When it comes to growing garlic, there are different types of garlic that you can choose from. Each type has its own unique flavor, growth habits, and storage capabilities. Here are the three main types of garlic that you should know about:
1) Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic, also known as stiffneck garlic, produces a hard, woody stem that emerges from the center of the bulb. This type of garlic is known for its strong, bold flavor and is typically grown in colder climates. Hardneck garlic varieties include Chesnok Red, Music, and Inchelium Red. This is the type of garlic we always plant and have great success with in Toronto, Canada.
Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic, also known as artichoke garlic, is the most commonly grown type of garlic. It has a soft, pliable stem that can be braided and is easy to store. Softneck garlic has a milder flavor than hardneck garlic and is typically grown in warmer climates. Popular varieties of softneck garlic include California Early and Silverskin.
Elephant Garlic
Elephant garlic is not actually a true garlic, but rather a member of the leek family. It produces large, mild-flavored bulbs that can be used in a variety of dishes. Elephant garlic is easy to grow and can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest.
When choosing which type of garlic to grow, consider your climate, storage needs, and flavor preferences. With the right care and attention, you can grow your own flavorful garlic at home.
How to grow garlic from a clove
Preparing to Plant Garlic
Before you start planting garlic, you need to make sure you have everything you need. This includes choosing the right garlic cloves, selecting a planting site, and preparing the soil.
Choosing Your Garlic Cloves
When choosing garlic cloves for planting, it’s important to select healthy cloves. Look for bulbs that are firm and have unbroken skin. Avoid bulbs that are soft, moldy, or have any signs of damage.
Separate the cloves from the bulb just before planting, leaving the papery skin intact. We know it’s tempting to take the skin off but you need to leave it on so the clove is better protected going into the ground. Next, choose the largest cloves for planting, as they will produce the largest bulbs.
Selecting a Planting Site
Garlic grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, test your soil to determine its pH level. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it. If the pH is too high, add sulfur to lower it.
We recommend using this soil tester:
Choose a site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Avoid planting garlic in areas where water tends to pool or in soil that is compacted.
Preparing the Soil
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and fertility. Work the organic matter into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, making sure the soil is loose and crumbly.
If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Avoid planting garlic in soil that is too wet or compacted, as this can lead to rot and poor growth.
Planting Garlic
When to Plant Garlic
Garlic is usually planted in the fall or spring, depending on your climate. In most areas, fall is the best time to plant garlic because it allows the roots to establish before winter and results in larger bulbs. In warmer regions, spring planting may be more suitable. Check with your local nursery or extension office to determine the best time to plant garlic in your area.
We personally plant our garlic in October. It seems to be the best time frame in Toronto. The latest we’ve ever planted was in mid-November, and this didn’t seem to have any impact on the size of the bulbs.
How to Plant Garlic
To plant garlic, start by selecting healthy garlic cloves. Separate the cloves from the bulb and leave the papery skin intact. Plant the cloves pointed end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Cover the cloves with soil and water well.
Tip: Cover the planting site with leaves, hay or anything that can help insulate the bulbs to help them establish roots if you live somewhere north like Canada.
Caring for Garlic Plants
Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it does require regular watering and fertilization. Water your garlic plants regularly, about 1-2 inches per week, and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. We always prefer an organic fertilizer for all of our crops. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
First Signs of Growing
In the spring (if planted in the fall) you will start to notice the first signs of your garlic. They don’t need any care so just let them grow at their own rate.
Slowly the sprouts will start to grow larger:
Supporting Garlic Plants
As your garlic plants grow, they may need support to prevent them from falling over. You can use stakes or cages to prop up the plants. We have personally never had to do this because our stocks are quite large due to planting Hardneck garlic however, this can happen depending on what sort of garlic you’re growing.
Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the green shoots that grow out of the garlic bulb. They are a delicious and nutritious addition to many dishes.
Removing the garlic scapes is important because it encourages the plant to put its energy into developing the bulbs, rather than producing seeds. The scapes should be removed from the plant when they start to curl and form a loop (as seen above).
What to do with garlic scapes
With that said, there are so many things you can do with your scapes! Here are some things you should know:
- When to harvest garlic scapes: Garlic scapes should be harvested when they are young and tender, before they become too woody. This is usually around mid-June, but it can vary depending on your climate and the variety of garlic you are growing.
- How to harvest garlic scapes: To harvest garlic scapes, simply cut them off with a sharp pair of scissors or pruners. Be sure to cut them just above the topmost set of leaves on the garlic plant.
- How to use garlic scapes: Garlic scapes can be used in a variety of ways. They can be chopped up and added to salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews. They can also be grilled, roasted, or sautéed as a side dish. Some people even use garlic scapes to make pesto!
- Nutritional benefits of garlic scapes: Garlic scapes are a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
- How to store garlic scapes: Garlic scapes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep them fresh, place them in a plastic bag or wrap them in damp paper towels.
Incorporating garlic scapes into your cooking is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. So next time you harvest garlic, don’t forget to save the scapes!
Harvesting and Storing Garlic
DO NOT wash your bulbs, like we did. We got lucky but this can cause rot.
When to Harvest Garlic
Knowing when to harvest garlic can be a bit tricky. Garlic bulbs are ready to be harvested when the bottom leaves start to turn brown and dry up. This usually happens in mid-summer, around July or August. You can also check the garlic bulb by digging a little bit of soil away from the base of the plant and examining the bulb. The cloves should be fully formed and the skin should be tight around the cloves.
How to Harvest Garlic
To harvest garlic, carefully dig the bulbs out of the ground with a garden fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the bulbs. Once you have dug up the bulbs, shake off any excess dirt and remove the roots and leaves. Do not wash the bulbs, as this can cause them to rot during storage.
Curing and Storing Garlic
Curing garlic is an important step in the harvesting process. To cure garlic, hang the bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated area for two to three weeks. The garlic should be kept out of direct sunlight. After the garlic has been cured, trim the roots and cut off the leaves about an inch above the bulb.
Storing garlic is easy once it has been cured. Garlic bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. A temperature range of 60-65°F (15-18°C) is ideal. Softneck garlic can be stored for up to 8 months, while hardneck garlic has a shorter storage life of 4-6 months.
Do not store garlic in the refrigerator, as the moisture can cause the cloves to sprout. You can also store garlic in a mesh bag or a basket lined with straw or shredded paper.
Common Problems and Solutions
Growing garlic can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. Here are some common problems you may encounter and how to solve them.
Pests and Diseases
Garlic is generally a hardy plant, but it is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues you may face and how to deal with them:
- Onion Maggot: These pests can cause serious damage to your garlic crop. To prevent them, plant your garlic in a different location each year and cover the soil with a layer of sand or diatomaceous earth.
- Disease: Garlic is prone to a few different diseases, including white rot and rust. To prevent these, make sure your soil is well-drained and avoid planting garlic in the same spot year after year.
- pH and Nitrogen: Garlic prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, add lime. If it is too alkaline, add sulfur. Garlic also needs nitrogen to grow, but too much can cause the bulbs to split. Side-dress your garlic with a balanced fertilizer to give it the nutrients it needs without overdoing it.
- Garlic Scapes: These are the curly stems that grow out of the top of the garlic plant. While they are edible and delicious, leaving them on the plant can cause the bulbs to be smaller. To encourage larger bulbs, cut off the scapes when they appear.
Weed Control
When learning how to grow garlic from a clove it’s important to consider weeds. Weeds can be a major problem in any vegetable garden, and garlic is no exception. Here are some tips for keeping your garlic patch weed-free:
- Mulch: A layer of mulch around your garlic plants will help to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.
- Hand Weeding: If you do see weeds popping up, the best way to deal with them is to pull them out by hand. Be sure to get the entire root to prevent the weed from growing back.
- Garlic Leaves: If you have a lot of weeds in your garlic patch, you can also use the garlic leaves to smother them. Simply lay the leaves on top of the weeds and they will eventually die off.
We hope this in-depth guide has given you insight into how to grow garlic from a clove! It’s relatively easy in mild climates and doesn’t need a lot of attention which makes it an easy addition to your vegetable or herb garden. Also, garlic can be stored and consumed all year round, so make sure to plant a lot of it to get a good harvest!
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