July 20 2023
Welcome! As we bask in the summer sun, our gardens are flourishing with life and vibrant colors, our harvest is bountiful, and we are thankful.
PRE-ORDER FOR YOUR FALL GARDEN
SEED GARLIC NOW AVAILABLE
Planting Seed Garlic: A Guide to a Bountiful Harvest
Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinctive taste, is not only a delicious addition to countless culinary dishes but also a rewarding plant to grow in your garden. If you want to enjoy the flavors of homegrown garlic, planting seed garlic is the way to go. In this newsletter, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure a successful and bountiful garlic harvest.
Planting Seed Garlic: 1. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Before you start planting, it's essential to select the right garlic variety. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic, which we offer tends to be more suitable for colder climates and produces scapes, which are the curly, edible flower stalks. Softneck garlic is better suited for milder climates and often stores longer than hardneck varieties.
2. Preparing the Soil
Garlic thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and work the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. Remove any rocks or debris and add compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Avoid planting garlic in areas where water tends to accumulate, as this can lead to rot.
3. About our Seed Garlic
We purchase only the best quality organic seed garlic. We choose only large, healthy bulbs with no signs of disease or damage.
4. Preparing Seed Garlic Cloves
Your garlic cloves will be prepared by us for optimum planting.
5. Planting Garlic
Plant garlic in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. In most regions, this means planting in October or November. Space the garlic cloves about 6 to 8 inches apart in rows, with each clove about 2 inches deep, pointed end up. Cover with soil and water lightly.
6. Mulching
After planting, add a layer of mulch, such as straw or chopped leaves, around 3 to 4 inches thick. Mulching helps to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weed growth. It also provides protection from extreme temperature fluctuations during winter.
7. Watering
During the growing season, garlic requires consistent moisture. Water your garlic regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently damp but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and focus on watering the soil directly.
8. Removing Scapes
You'll notice curly scapes emerging from the plants in late spring. Although these are edible and delicious, removing them will redirect the plant's energy to bulb development. Cut off the scapes once they curl, and enjoy them in your culinary creations.
9. Harvesting Garlic
Harvest time typically occurs in mid-summer when the lower leaves turn brown. Gently dig up the bulbs with a garden fork, being careful not to damage them. Allow the garlic to cure in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place for about two weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and leaves, and your garlic is ready to enjoy!
10. Saving Seed Garlic
To continue your garlic-growing journey, save the largest and healthiest bulbs from your harvest for planting the following year. This way, you'll have a continuous supply of homegrown garlic for years to come.
Planting seed garlic is a simple and satisfying way to add a flavorful staple to your garden. With a little care and attention, you'll soon be rewarded with delicious, homegrown garlic to enhance your favorite dishes.
Thank you for being a part of our gardening community. We hope you find this newsletter helpful and inspiring for your gardening journey this summer. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
Happy gardening!
Warmly,
Journey and the team at Lucayda Farm
Garden Vegetables, Herbs, flowers, berries grown chemical and pesticide free with love!
