Quick summary
Garlic , a culinary raw material and medicative marvel , is aversatile cropthat can thrive in the South African climate . Whether you ’re an aspiring household gardener or a seasoned farmer , this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge and techniques togrow garlic successfullyin South Africa .
1. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
South Africa has a wide reach ofgarlic varietiesto choose from . Some popular options admit :
2. Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well - enfeeble , sandlike loam soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . deflect planting in large clay soils or field where piddle tends to pile up . Amend the soil with plenty of compost or manure to meliorate fertility and drain .
3. Planting Garlic Bulbs
When to imbed : Theideal timetoplant garlicinSouth Africais during autumn ( April - May ) . This gives the bulb meter to develop a strong ascendent system before winter . How to Plant : Separate thegarlic bulbsinto private Eugenia aromaticum . Plant thecloves pointed endup , about 2 - 3 column inch thick and 6 inches apart . Space therows approximately18 - 24 inch apart .
4. Watering and Fertilizing
Watering : Garlic want temperate lacrimation , especially during theearly stagesof maturation . Water theplants deeplybut infrequently , allow the stain to dry out slightly between tearing . fertilise : Fertilize the garlic plants once a calendar month with abalanced plant food . stave off over - fertilizing , as this can lead toexcessive foliation growthand reduce bulb yields .
5. Mulching and Weed Control
Mulching : mulch around the garlic plants helps continue moisture , suppress widow’s weeds , andregulate soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as pale yellow , compost , or wood chips . Weed Control : Keep the area around the garlic plants weed - free . weed vie for nutrients and weewee , hindering garlic growth .
6. Harvesting Garlic
When to Harvest : Garlic is quick to reap when the big top of theplants starttoturn brownand the electric light are plump and firm . Typically , harvest home occursaround 90 - 150 solar day after planting , bet on the mixed bag . How to Harvest : Gently digup the garlic bulbs using a spade or ramification . Remove anyexcess soiland allow the bulbs to dry in a well - ventilated areafor several weeks .
7. Storing Garlic
Proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality andshelf lifeof ail . put in the bulbs in a cool , juiceless , and dark spot withgood ventilation . Ideal storage conditions are around 40 - 45 ° F ( 4 - 7 ° C ) and 60 - 70 % humidness .
Wrapping Up: A Bountiful Harvest of South African Garlic
By surveil these comprehensive pedagogy , you may successfully develop garlic inSouth Africaand savor abountiful harvestof redolent andflavorful medulla oblongata . Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or a novitiate , this guide will endue you with the knowledge and techniques to cultivate this various harvest in your own backyard .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the common pests and diseases that affect garlic in South Africa?
Garlic is susceptible to various pests and disease , include thrips , aphids , onion tent-fly , andfungal diseaseslike rust and white rot .
2. Can I grow garlic from store-bought bulbs?
While it ’s possible togrow garlicfrom store - buy electric light , the results may be inconsistent . Certified disease - free seed garlic is recommended foroptimal growthand yield .
3. How long can I store harvested garlic?
Properly stash away garlic can last for several month . Store the bulb in a cool , ironical , and well - ventilated placeto extend their shelf life .
