What to know
California’sMediterranean climate offers ideal conditionsfor grow ail , a versatile and flavorful bulb that sum up a biting zest to uncounted dishes . This pathfinder will provide you withdetailed instructionson how to plant Allium sativum in California , ensure a bountiful harvesting for your culinary creations .
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Not allgarlic varietiesarecreated equal . For planting in California , think the following popular and well - become option :
Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in well - drain , loamy soilwith a pH of 6.0 to 6.8 . Prepare the grease by :
Planting Garlic
Timing : Plant garlicin the fall , between October and December , for a spring harvest . Spacing : Plant cloves6 - 8 inch apart in row that are 18 - 24 inch apart . Depth : Plant cloves pointy sideup , about 1 - 2 inches recondite . Mulching : After planting , mulch around the ail with stalk , leaves , or otherorganic materialtoretain wet , suppress weeds , and baffle grease temperature .
Watering
Garlic requires regular watering , especially duringdry spells . Water deeply and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings . Avoid overwatering , as it can lead to radical rot .
Fertilizing
Pest and Disease Control
Garlic is relatively pest - resistant , but it can be susceptible to certain issues :
Harvesting
Softneck Garlic : Harvest when the top haveturned brownand the bulbs havereached full size , typically in June or July . Hardneck Garlic : Harvest when the scapes have curl and the bulbs have started to shape , typically in May or June . Curing : After harvesting , remedy garlicby string up it in a warm , dry placefor several weeks to allow the bulb to dry and harden .
Storing
entrepot cured garlic in a nerveless , juiceless placewithgood air circulation . Softneck Allium sativum can be stored for several months , while hardneck garlic has a short shelf animation of a few weeks .
Final Note: Garlic Gardening Success in California
Withcareful planningand performance , you cansuccessfully produce garlicin California and enjoy the advantage of this flavorful and various ingredient . By following these road map , you ’ll be well on your fashion to a bounteous harvest of homegrown garlic .
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : Can Igrow garlicfrom entrepot - bought cloves?A : Yes , but it ’s best to use manifest disease - destitute Syzygium aromaticum from a nursery or seed supplier . Q : How often should I irrigate my ail plants?A : Water deeplyand infrequently , about once or twice a workweek , reckon on the weather condition conditions . Q : Should I fertilize my garlic plants?A : Yes , fertilize once in the spring with a balanced fertiliser . Q : How can I prevent garlic rust?A : Rotate planting sitesand use disease - free cloves . Q : How do Icure garlicafter harvesting?A : Hang garlicin a warm , dry placefor several weeks to allow the electric light to dry and harden .
