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Growing Garlic
Find out how to grow your own garlic
Growing Garlic
grow your own | vegetablesIf you are only going to grow one crop, then garlic should be near to the top of the list of crops to consider. It takes up very little space, does not require rich soil, is expensive to buy in the supermarket, is delicious and healthy, and is very easy to grow. In addition, when you have tasted your own home-grown garlic, you will never want to eat commercial garlic again.
Growing Garlic
Although it is possible to grow garlic from the cloves of a supermarket bought bulb, the results are likely to disappoint. Most garlic sold in the UK is imported from abroad where weather conditions are completely different. Instead purchase bulbs of garlic from a seed catalogue or local garden centre.
As mentioned earlier, garlic does not require rich soil, however it does need free draining soil (to prevent the roots from rotting). If your soil contains a lot of clay, dig in some sand to help increase drainage. Garlic should be planted in December (traditionally on the shortest day of the year), and can be harvested in late June or July.
Planting and Harvesting Garlic
Break the bulb carefully up into individual cloves. These should be planted two inches deep and 6 inches apart. After that, you will just need to occasionally weed between the garlic plants in the spring with a hoe, and water a little during any long dry spells. It is also possible to grow garlic in containers.
When garlic is ready to harvest the green foliage will begin to turn yellow and dry out. When more than half of your crop has done this, lift all of the garlic plants with a fork. Garlic must be dried out if it is to keep well, so shake off any excess soil from around the roots and hang the plants up to dry in a sheltered spot or indoors.
Companion Planting
Because of its strong smell, garlic is excellent at repelling flies and other pests. Traditionally garlic is planted around rose bushes and other flowering plants in order to protect them from greenfly.
Article Published: 13:19, 5th Jul 2008
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