What To Know
- With a little planning and the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful garlic right in your own backyard.
- Turn over the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to create a loose, workable texture.
- Garlic doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a boost in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Edmonton’s climate, with its long winters and short growing season, might seem daunting for garlic enthusiasts. But fear not! With a little planning and the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful garlic right in your own backyard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of growing garlic in Edmonton, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and storing your delicious crop.
Understanding Edmonton’s Climate and Garlic Needs
Garlic thrives in cool, temperate climates with well-drained soil. Edmonton’s climate, characterized by cold winters and hot summers, presents unique challenges for garlic cultivation. However, with careful planning and understanding the specific needs of garlic, you can successfully grow this pungent bulb in the heart of Alberta.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
The first step to successful garlic cultivation is selecting the right variety for your Edmonton garden. While many varieties exist, some are better suited to colder climates and shorter growing seasons. Consider these popular options:
- Hardneck Garlic: Known for its strong flavor and beautiful scapes (flower stalks), hardneck garlic varieties are typically more cold-hardy and well-suited to Edmonton’s climate. Popular hardneck varieties include:
- Music: This variety produces large cloves with a strong, pungent flavor.
- German Red: Known for its beautiful red-purple bulbs, German Red is a reliable choice for Edmonton gardens.
- Russian Red: This variety boasts a potent flavor and impressive cold hardiness.
- Softneck Garlic: Softneck garlic varieties are generally less cold-hardy than hardneck varieties, but they tend to store longer. If you’re looking for a variety to store for extended periods, consider:
- Early Italian: This variety produces large, flavorful bulbs that store well.
- Italian Red: A popular choice for its sweet flavor and long storage life.
Preparing Your Garden Bed for Garlic Success
Garlic thrives in loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare your garden bed for planting, follow these steps:
1. Choose a Sunny Spot: Garlic requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Amend the Soil: Improve soil drainage by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Test the pH: If the soil pH is too acidic, add lime to raise it to the desired level.
4. Till the Soil: Turn over the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to create a loose, workable texture.
Planting Garlic in Edmonton
The optimal time to plant garlic in Edmonton is in the fall, typically between mid-September and early October. Planting in the fall allows the garlic to establish a strong root system before winter arrives. Here’s how to plant:
1. Choose Healthy Cloves: Select large, plump cloves from a healthy bulb.
2. Plant Deep Enough: Plant each clove 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
3. Space Them Properly: Space cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
4. Water Well: After planting, water the garlic thoroughly to settle the soil around the cloves.
Caring for Your Garlic Plants
Once you’ve planted your garlic, you’ll need to provide regular care to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Mulch to Conserve Moisture: Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your garlic plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
3. Fertilize Sparingly: Garlic doesn‘t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a boost in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
4. Protect from Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. If you notice any infestations, take appropriate steps to control them.
Harvesting Your Garlic in Edmonton
Garlic is typically ready for harvest in late summer or early fall, about 8-10 months after planting. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the leaves start to turn yellow and brown. Here’s how to harvest:
1. Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs.
2. Lift the Bulbs: Pull the garlic bulbs out of the ground, being careful not to damage the bulbs.
3. Cure the Bulbs: After harvesting, allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This curing process helps to dry the outer skins and improve storage life.
Storing Your Garlic Harvest
Proper storage is crucial for extending the shelf life of your garlic. Follow these tips:
1. Trim the Tops: Cut the stems about an inch above the bulb.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
3. Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigeration can cause garlic to sprout and lose its flavor.
A Farewell to the Garlic Garden: Beyond the Harvest
As your garlic journey in Edmonton comes to an end, remember that this experience is more than just growing a bulb. It’s about connecting with nature, understanding the nuances of your local climate, and appreciating the simple joy of harvesting your own food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grow garlic from seed?
A: While it’s possible to grow garlic from seed, it’s a more challenging and time-consuming process. It’s generally easier and faster to grow garlic from cloves.
Q: What are garlic scapes, and how do I use them?
A: Garlic scapes are the flower stalks of hardneck garlic varieties. They have a milder, more delicate flavor than garlic bulbs and can be used in stir-fries, salads, or pesto.
Q: When should I plant garlic in Edmonton?
A: The best time to plant garlic in Edmonton is in the fall, between mid-September and early October.
Q: How long does it take for garlic to grow?
A: Garlic typically takes 8-10 months to mature from planting to harvest.
Q: Can I grow garlic in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow garlic in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
