Key points
As the winter ’s icy grip tightens , gardeners eagerly await the opportunity to sow the seeds of a liberal harvest . Among the most rewarding harvest to embed in January is garlic , aversatile bulbthat adds smack andhealth benefitsto countless dish . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with gradation - by - tone book of instructions on how to plant garlic in January , ensuring a thriving craw that will flourish throughout the season .
Choosing the Right Garlic
The first footstep in planting Allium sativum in January is to choose the correct variety . Hardneck garlic is best suited for frigid climates andproduces big , flavorful electric-light bulb . Some democratic hardneck varieties include ‘ Music ’ and ‘ Rocambole ’ . Softneck ail , on the other hand , is well suited for warm clime and produces humble , milder bulbs . ‘ California Early ‘ and ‘ Silverskin ’ are two common softneck varieties .
Preparing the Soil
Beforeplanting garlic , it is substantive to groom the grunge properly . Garlic prefers well - drained , loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . If your soil is backbreaking or pack , meliorate it with compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility .
Planting Depth and Spacing
When planting Allium sativum in January , it is important to establish the cloves at thecorrect depthand spacing . Plant thecloves pointy sideup , just about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart . This will ply the clove with enough way to grow and develop properly .
Mulching
After planting , mulch thegarlic bedwith a layer of chaff , compost , or sliced leaves . Mulch helps toretain moisture , suppress weeds , and protect the cloves from freezing temperatures .
Watering
Garlic postulate logical watering throughout thegrowing time of year . Water the bed deep when thesoil feels dryto the tactual sensation . Avoid overwatering , as this can contribute to rot .
Fertilizing
Garlic benefit fromregular fertilization . Apply abalanced organic fertilizerevery 4 - 6 weeks throughout the originate time of year .
Harvesting
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in belated summer or early fall , when the top of theplants beginto twist brown and descend over . Gently lift the bulb from the ground and allow them to dry out in a well - ventilated areafor several weeks .
Storing
Properly cured garlic can be stored for up to 6 months in a cool , dry place . Store the bulbs in a mesh bag or field goal that allow for air circulation .
Tips for Success
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : Can Iplant garlicin pots?A : Yes , you canplant garlicin pots . opt a pot that is at least 12 inches in diam and has drain holes . Q : How often should I water garlic?A : piss garlic deeplywhen thesoil feels dryto the feeling . stave off overwatering . Q : What are thecommon pestsand diseases that affect garlic?A : Garlic is susceptible to pests such as aphid , thrips , andonion flies . Common diseases include white rot , neck putrefaction , and botrytis .
