What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of growing garlic from cloves in Melbourne, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your plump bulbs.
- Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it does require some care to ensure a healthy harvest.
- Control onion fly by using a fly trap or by covering the soil with a row cover.
Growing your own garlic in Melbourne is a rewarding experience. Not only can you enjoy fresh, flavourful garlic in your cooking, but you can also save money and reduce your environmental impact. This guide will walk you through the process of growing garlic from cloves in Melbourne, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your plump bulbs.
Understanding Melbourne’s Climate and Garlic Varieties
Melbourne’s climate is temperate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This makes it ideal for growing garlic, but it’s important to choose the right variety for your region.
- Hardneck Garlic: These varieties are best suited for cooler climates and produce larger cloves with a stronger flavour. They also produce a flowering stalk called a scape, which can be eaten. Popular hardneck varieties in Melbourne include:
- Purple Stripe: Known for its intense flavour and beautiful purple stripes.
- German Red: A classic hardneck variety with a strong, pungent flavour.
- Music: A popular choice for its mild flavour and large cloves.
- Softneck Garlic: These varieties are more adaptable to warmer climates and have a milder flavour than hardneck garlic. They store well and are good for braiding. Popular softneck varieties in Melbourne include:
- Italian Red: A classic softneck variety with a rich, garlicky flavour.
- Early Italian: A fast-growing variety with a milder flavour.
- Inchelium Red: Known for its large cloves and long storage life.
Preparing Your Garlic Cloves for Planting
Once you’ve chosen your garlic variety, it’s time to prepare your cloves for planting. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose healthy cloves: Select plump, firm cloves that are free of damage or disease.
- Separate the cloves: Gently separate the cloves from the garlic bulb.
- Prepare the cloves for planting: You can plant the cloves whole or separate them into individual cloves. If you’re planting whole cloves, you can leave the papery skin on. If you’re planting individual cloves, remove the papery skin.
Selecting the Perfect Planting Spot in Melbourne
Garlic thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Garlic also prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Soil Preparation: Before planting your garlic, amend your soil with compost or aged manure. This will improve soil drainage, aeration, and fertility.
- Planting Time: The best time to plant garlic in Melbourne is during the cooler months, from **May to July**.
Planting Your Garlic Cloves: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Dig a planting trench: Dig a trench about 10-15cm deep and as wide as you need for your garlic cloves.
2. Space the cloves: Space the cloves 10-15cm apart in the trench.
3. Cover the cloves: Cover the cloves with soil, making sure the pointy end of the clove faces upwards.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the soil well after planting.
Nurturing Your Garlic Plants: Care and Maintenance
Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it does require some care to ensure a healthy harvest.
- Watering: Water your garlic plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your garlic plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with your garlic plants for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: You can fertilize your garlic plants with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. However, avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can encourage leaf growth at the expense of bulb development.
Recognizing and Managing Common Garlic Pests and Diseases
Garlic is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to a few common problems.
- Garlic rust: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide.
- Garlic mites: These tiny pests can damage the garlic bulbs. They can be controlled by using a miticide.
- Onion fly: This pest lays eggs in the soil near garlic plants. The larvae can damage the bulbs. Control onion fly by using a fly trap or by covering the soil with a row cover.
Harvesting Your Garlic: A Guide to Knowing When to Pick
Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and brown. This usually happens around October to November in Melbourne.
- Harvesting: Gently lift the garlic bulbs from the soil.
- Curing: After harvesting, allow the garlic bulbs to cure in a dry, well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks. This will help the bulbs to dry out and store well.
Storing Your Garlic for a Flavorful Future
Once your garlic is cured, you can store it in a cool, dry place. Garlic will keep for several months if stored properly.
- Storage: Store your garlic in a well-ventilated container or in a mesh bag. Avoid storing garlic in a refrigerator, as this can cause it to sprout.
Beyond the Harvest: Enjoying Your Homegrown Garlic
Now that you’ve successfully grown your own garlic, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Use your fresh garlic in all your favorite dishes, from pasta sauces and soups to stir-fries and dips.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I grow garlic from supermarket garlic?
Yes, you can grow garlic from supermarket garlic, but it’s important to choose organic garlic that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or growth inhibitors.
2. How long does it take for garlic to grow?
Garlic takes about 8-10 months to grow from planting to harvest.
3. Can I grow garlic in a pot?
Yes, you can grow garlic in a pot. Choose a pot that is at least 30cm wide and deep.
4. What are the benefits of growing your own garlic?
Growing your own garlic allows you to enjoy fresh, flavorful garlic, save money, and reduce your environmental impact.
5. What are some creative ways to use garlic?
Garlic can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Garlic bread: A classic and delicious way to use garlic.
- Roasted garlic: A flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, sauces, and dips.
- Garlic infused olive oil: A flavorful and aromatic oil that can be used for drizzling over salads or pasta.
Growing garlic in Melbourne is a rewarding experience that will provide you with fresh, flavorful garlic for your cooking. By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown garlic all year round.
