How to grow garlic

Garlic

Garlic is one of the plants belonging to the Allium family and is considered one of the oldest plants known to humans, with origins dating back more than 700 years. It is characterized by its pungent aroma, thick leaves, and versatility in various uses such as cooking, cosmetic recipes, therapeutic remedies, and more. Initially cultivated in Central Asia, garlic farming later spread across the world. While it is commonly purchased from vegetable markets or stores, garlic can also be grown at home using simple, healthy steps. This article will guide you through how to grow garlic at home.

How to Grow Garlic

Tools Needed

• Gardening tools
• Soil
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Organic fertilizer
• Clay pot for storing garlic after harvesting

Steps to Grow Garlic

1. Choose the Right Time for Planting
   Garlic is best planted in mid-autumn or early spring, as high temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall promote its growth.
2. Select an Appropriate Location
   Choose a suitable place for planting garlic. Prepare the soil by cleaning it of debris, removing weeds, and turning and aerating it. It is recommended to enrich the soil with organic fertilizer and nutrients before planting.
3. Select Fresh Garlic Cloves
   Opt for fresh, large garlic cloves and avoid soft ones. Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves without damaging their bases, as this can prevent growth.
4. Plant the Cloves
   Place the garlic cloves into the soil about 5 cm deep, maintaining a distance of approximately 20 cm between each clove.
5. Cover the Soil
   Cover the soil with dry leaves, some fertilizer, and dry straw.
6. Fertilize the Garlic
   Add fertilizer to the top layer of the soil during planting and again in the spring when the garlic is growing.
7. Water the Garlic
   Water the garlic once a week, but spray the soil surface lightly with water on other days.
8. Protect the Garlic from Pests
   Sprinkle pepper or wood shavings around the garlic to protect it from mice, pests, and agricultural insects.
9. Harvesting the Garlic
   When the green stems of the garlic appear, they can be used for cooking. However, it is best to let them grow for a while, as removing them early can harm the roots.
   • When the stems turn yellow or brown, it indicates that the garlic is ready for harvest, usually by late summer. Harvesting can continue into the fall.
   • Dig a small hole to gently remove the garlic from the soil. Place the garlic in a well-ventilated spot exposed to sunlight for a few days to cleanse it of microbes and bacteria from the soil.
10. Storing Garlic
    Store garlic in a dry, cool place, preferably in clay pots.
    Note: Garlic can also be stored in braided form and hung on the balcony.

Enjoy your homegrown garlic!