indispensable Information
Garlic , aversatile culinary staple prizedfor its pungent tang and sanative property , thrives in thefertile soiland temperate climate of Michigan . Embark on thiscomprehensive guideto superior the artwork of growing garlic in the heart of the Great Lakes State .
Selecting the Right Garlic Variety
Michigan ’s wide-ranging climate set aside for the polish of both hardneck andsoftneck garlic varieties . Hardneck garlic produce a fundamental stalk and bring out larger , more saporous clove tree . Softneck garlic lacks a cardinal stubble andproduces smaller , milder Eugenia aromaticum . prefer variety become to your taste predilection and growing conditions .
Preparing the Soil
Garlic choose well - drained , loamy soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend the soil withorganic mattersuch as compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage . Avoid planting in sphere that have of late been fertilise with tonic manure , as this can encourage disease .
Planting Garlic Cloves
Plant Allium sativum cloves in the fall , typically from mid - October to mid - November . split the cloves from the bulb and works thempointed endup , 2 - 3inches deepand 6 - 8 inches apart . Water the Eugenia aromaticum thoroughly after planting .
Mulching and Winter Protection
Mulch the garlic bottom with pale yellow , leaves , or compost to suppress weeds , keep on moisture , and protect the clove from wintertime freezing . Incolder regions , consider adding a level ofrow coverorplastic sheetingover the mulch for additional insularity .
Watering and Fertilizing
water system garlic on a regular basis , particularly duringdry spell . Avoid overwatering , as this can take toroot rot . Fertilize Allium sativum lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer .
Pest and Disease Management
Garlic is relatively resistant to pests and disease , but it can be susceptible to sure matter . Monitor for pests such as aphids , thrips , andonion maggots . Control diseases such aswhite rotand botrytis by practicing craw rotation , using disease - resistant varieties , and provide adequate drain .
Harvesting and Storing Garlic
Garlic is typically ready for harvest time in mid- tolate summer . When the tops of the plants begin toturn yellowand brown , it ’s time to harvest . hollow up thegarlic bulbsand cure them in a strong , dry office for 2 - 3 weeks . Store cured garlic in a cool , dark stead with good ventilation for up to 6 months .
Planning for Future Plantings
To ensure a continuous supply of garlic , plan for future planting . Select the heavy , good for you clovesfrom your crop for replanting . salt away these cloves in a cool , dry placeuntil fall planting time .
Questions We Hear a Lot
1 . What is the best time toplant garlicin Michigan?Mid - October to mid - November.2 . How deep should I found garlic cloves?2 - 3 inches deep.3 . How far apart should I plant garlic cloves?6 - 8 inches apart.4 . Do I necessitate to mulch my garlic bed?Yes , mulching helps stamp down skunk , retain wet , andprotect clovesfrom freezing.5 . How often should I water garlic?Regularly , especially duringdry spells , but avoid overwatering.6 . What is the good way to store garlic?In a coolheaded , black placewith good ventilation.7 . Can Igrow garlicin containers?Yes , but pick out a container withgood drainageand provide tolerable sunlight.8 . What are somecommon pestsand diseases that involve garlic?Aphids , thrips , Allium cepa maggot , bloodless rot , botrytis.9 . How can Iprevent garlicfrom rotting?Practice crop rotation , habituate disease - resistant varieties , and ply adequate drainage.10 . Can Igrow garlicfrom store - buy bulbs?Yes , but it ’s best to use cloves fromlocally grown bulbsfor optimum results .
