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“Growing Garlic at Home: A Simple Guide for Beginners”

Onion bulbs are not only delicious but also possess medicinal properties. Learn how to easily grow your own onion bulbs at home with this simple guide.

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21 July, 2024

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Elephant garlic, or garlic chives, is a highly nutritious and flavorful food used primarily as a seasoning. We share how to grow elephant garlic at home for an efficient yield.

1 Prepare the following

Elephant Garlic Bulbs

Elephant garlic is typically grown and propagated from bulbs.

When growing anything, you’ll need seeds or, in this case, bulbs. Elephant garlic is typically grown and propagated from bulbs. When selecting your elephant garlic bulbs, keep the following in mind:

Choose bulbs that feel firm and crisp when gently pressed.
Opt for larger bulbs with a diameter of 1-2 cm or more.
Ensure the bulbs’ exterior is free from defects, damage, or pest infestations.

Soil

The soil for planting elephant garlic should be a loamy mix of sand and humus as these provide the necessary nutrients for the bulbs’ growth after germination. Additionally, the soil must drain well, retain moisture effectively, and have a pH level between 6.5 and 7.

Use a loamy mix of sand and humus for planting elephant garlic.

You can purchase organic soil or the specific types mentioned above from garden stores, nurseries, or reputable e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Tiki. Alternatively, you may find them at the gardening section of your local supermarket.

Moreover, you can enhance the soil’s fertility by mixing in manure, bone meal, and organic matter, along with sand, to aid in the bulbs’ optimal development.

Light

Light is a critical factor for elephant garlic to germinate and grow.

Light is a critical factor for elephant garlic to germinate and grow. While elephant garlic tolerates partial shade, ensure it receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Adequate light stimulates the bulbs’ growth and helps ward off pests and diseases.

Planting Tools

You’ll need small spades or hoes to till the soil. Depending on your preference, you can plant elephant garlic directly in the ground or in pots, plastic tubs, trays, etc.

2 Planting Elephant Garlic

Step 1 Prepare the Soil

Prepare the soil and choose a planting container or area.

First, expose the soil to lime for about 7-10 days to eliminate any potential pathogens.

Next, transfer the treated soil into your chosen container or designated planting area. Moisten the soil by watering it.

Step 2 Plant the Garlic

The following day, begin placing the garlic bulbs with a spacing of approximately 20 x 20 cm between rows and 10 x 10 cm between plants.

As you position the bulbs, gently press them into the soil, ensuring the roots face downward and the shoots upward.

Afterward, cover the bulbs with a 5 cm layer of straw or rice husks to maintain moisture and suppress weed growth and soil erosion caused by rain.

Finally, mist the area with water. The bulbs should germinate within 1-2 weeks. Spring is the ideal season for planting elephant garlic.

3 Care Instructions

After Planting

Initially, shield the newly planted garlic from prolonged direct sunlight.

Initially, shield the newly planted garlic from prolonged direct sunlight. Keep it in a shaded area until the bulbs begin to sprout, then gradually introduce them to sunlight.

After planting, refrain from overwatering. Only water when the soil becomes excessively dry, and avoid making the soil overly soggy.

After Germination and During Growth

Watering

Elephant garlic requires sufficient moisture to thrive.

Elephant garlic requires sufficient moisture to thrive. Once the bulbs have produced 3-4 leaves, lightly water the leaves, avoiding the roots.

Water once daily, avoiding midday sun, and use a gentle mist to allow the soil to absorb water gradually. During the rainy season or winter, reduce the frequency of watering.

After watering, check for excess water and assess the soil’s drainage to prevent bulb rot.

Fertilizing

Apply additional fertilizer to promote bulb growth.

Around 20-30 days after planting, introduce earthworm castings, manure, and organic fertilizer. Additionally, you can use NPK 5-10-15 fertilizer or foliar spray, diluting it to half strength or following the package instructions.

Continue fertilizing monthly to provide the necessary nutrients for the bulbs’ growth.

Mulching and Weeding

Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Throughout the garlic’s growth, maintain a layer of mulch to prevent moisture loss, retain soil moisture, and suppress weed growth.

If weeds appear, promptly remove them and loosen the soil if you’re not using mulch. Cover with cardboard during winter to protect from frost.

Harvesting

Elephant garlic is typically harvested over 200 days after planting.

You can harvest the leaves after 60 days (2 months) by cutting them close to the base. This practice helps prevent the bulbs from flowering.

The bulbs are typically harvested over 200 days after planting.

When harvesting, uproot the entire plant, including the roots and bulbs. You may also harvest the leaves, as they are edible and can be used as garlic chives.

The above guide provides a simple method for successfully growing elephant garlic at home with high yields.

Frequently asked questions

Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking and has numerous health benefits. Growing garlic at home ensures a steady supply of fresh, organic garlic and is a simple process that can be done in a small space.

The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, around September to November. This allows the garlic to develop roots before winter and grow vigorously in the spring.

Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It is important to mix in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to ensure the soil is rich in nutrients.

Garlic requires full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may result in smaller bulbs.

Garlic needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Watering about once a week should be sufficient, depending on your climate and soil type.

Garlic is typically ready for harvest in late spring or early summer, usually around June to August. You’ll know it’s ready when the leaves start to turn yellow and wither. Gently dig up one bulb to check its size and if the cloves are plump and firm, it’s ready to harvest.

Homegrown garlic can be stored the same way as store-bought garlic. Keep the bulbs in a cool, dark, dry place with good ventilation. Braiding the garlic stems and hanging them in a well-ventilated area is a traditional and decorative way to store garlic.

Yes, garlic can be grown indoors in pots or containers. Ensure the pot has good drainage and use a well-drained soil mix. Place the pot in a sunny windowsill and water regularly.

Common pests that affect garlic include nematodes, thrips, and onion maggots. Diseases to watch out for include white rot, botrytis neck rot, and rust. Practicing crop rotation and using disease-resistant varieties can help prevent these issues.

While it is possible to grow garlic from store-bought cloves, it is not recommended as these cloves may not be suitable for your local climate and may carry diseases. It’s best to source your garlic cloves from a garden center or a trusted nursery.