Harvest garlic in March or early April.
Garlic is a favorite vegetable for gardeners to grow for throwing in their favorite dish. The garlic grown in grocery stores is considered a soft-neck garlic type, which will not perform well in the home garden, according to the University of Illinois. Gardeners must conduct adequate planting site preparation prior for planting to ensure a healthy crop of garlic. Does this Spark an idea?
Well Draining Soil
Garlic will not tolerate compacted soil. Poorly draining soil will increase the chances of garlic contracting a fungal disease. You know if you have poor draining soil if the area frequently pools with water or the soil releases water droplets when squeezed. Gardeners have several different options when they have a yard full of poor draining soil. They can amend the soil with a soil amendment such as compost, build raised garden beds or plant their garlic bulbs in containers.
Soil pH Range
Plant garlic in a soil pH range between 6.0 to 7.0, according to the University of Illinois. Garlic grown outside of this range will not be able to absorb all the nutrients it needs to grow. Conduct a soil pH test on the planting area by digging a 6 inch hole. Collect soil from the bottom of the hole and follow the directions on the test. Spread dolomite limestone on areas that are under 6.0 or apply elemental sulfur on areas over 7.0.
Soil Amendments
Gardeners should add nutrients to the soil before planting. Garlic enjoys soil that has lots of organic matter such as manure and compost. Spread a 3 inch layer and till into the area. Fertilize the garlic's planting location with a balanced fertilizer that has a NPK amount of 10-10-10. Use 3 lbs. of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil space, as suggested by the University of Illinois.
When to Plant
Plant garlic bulbs six weeks before your first freeze of the season. Planting times depends on what area of the country you live. Garlic bulbs that are planted before the first freeze will be ready to harvest in the early spring. Place cloves 2 inches deep in the soil and 3 to 6 inches apart in the row. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around your garlic cloves to keep weeds at bay.
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