What To Know
- Growing your own garlic in Missouri can be a rewarding experience, yielding fresh, flavorful bulbs for your kitchen and the satisfaction of a successful harvest.
- You can fertilize your garlic plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, a few weeks after planting and again in early spring.
- When the bottom leaves of the garlic plant start to turn brown and die back, it’s a sign that the bulbs are maturing.
Growing your own garlic in Missouri can be a rewarding experience, yielding fresh, flavorful bulbs for your kitchen and the satisfaction of a successful harvest. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to grow garlic in Missouri, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your delicious bounty.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
The first step in growing garlic is selecting the right variety. Missouri’s climate is well-suited for both hardneck and softneck garlic varieties.
- Hardneck Garlic: These varieties produce a central stalk called a scape, which can be harvested for delicious garlic scapes. Hardneck garlics are generally more cold-hardy and tend to store better than softneck garlics. Popular hardneck varieties for Missouri include:
- Music: A flavorful variety with large cloves and a strong, pungent flavor.
- German Extra Hardy: Known for its cold hardiness and large bulbs.
- Chesnok Red: A beautiful red-skinned variety with a strong, spicy flavor.
- Softneck Garlic: Softneck garlics don’t produce scapes and tend to have a milder flavor than hardneck varieties. They are also known for their longer storage life. Popular softneck varieties for Missouri include:
- Early Italian: A mild-flavored variety with a long storage life.
- Inchelium Red: A beautiful red-skinned variety with a slightly spicy flavor.
- California White: A classic white garlic with a mild, sweet flavor.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Choose a sunny location: Garlic needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Amend the soil: If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Test the soil pH: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH of your soil. If it’s too acidic, add lime; if it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to adjust the pH.
4. Till the soil: Work the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches to break up any clumps and create a loose, workable texture.
Planting Garlic in Missouri
The best time to plant garlic in Missouri is in the fall, typically from late September to early November. Here’s how to plant your garlic cloves:
1. Separate the cloves: Select healthy, plump cloves from a good quality bulb.
2. Plant the cloves: Plant each clove with the pointed end facing up, about 2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
3. Water well: Water the planting bed thoroughly after planting.
4. Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Garlic Plants
Once your garlic is planted, it’s important to provide proper care to ensure a healthy and productive crop. Here’s a guide to caring for your garlic:
1. Water regularly: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during the spring growth period. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Fertilize: You can fertilize your garlic plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, a few weeks after planting and again in early spring.
3. Control weeds: Keep weeds under control by hand-weeding or mulching around the plants.
4. Monitor for pests and diseases: Garlic is generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to fungal diseases like white rot. If you notice any signs of disease, remove affected plants and dispose of them properly.
Harvesting Your Garlic
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, about 8-10 months after planting. Here’s how to know when your garlic is ready to harvest:
1. Check the leaves: When the bottom leaves of the garlic plant start to turn brown and die back, it’s a sign that the bulbs are maturing.
2. Dig up a test bulb: Carefully dig up a bulb and check its size and firmness. If the bulb is firm and the cloves are well-developed, it’s ready to harvest.
3. Harvest the garlic: Once the garlic is ready, carefully dig up the bulbs with a garden fork.
4. Cure the garlic: After harvesting, allow the garlic to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This helps the bulbs dry out and improve their storage life.
Storing Your Garlic
Properly stored garlic can last for several months. Here’s how to store your garlic:
1. Remove the stems: Trim the stems and roots from the bulbs.
2. Store in a cool, dry place: Store your garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or basement.
3. Avoid storing near potatoes: Potatoes release ethylene gas, which can cause garlic to sprout prematurely.
Enjoying Your Garlic Harvest
Once your garlic is cured and stored, you can enjoy its delicious flavor in a variety of dishes. Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from savory dishes to sweet desserts. Here are some ideas for using your garlic harvest:
- Add to soups and stews: Garlic is a classic ingredient in soups and stews, adding depth of flavor and warmth.
- Use in stir-fries: Garlic is a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine, adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to stir-fries.
- Roast with vegetables: Roasted garlic is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be added to roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or even spread on bread.
- Make garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic appetizer or side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Infuse olive oil: Infused garlic olive oil is a delicious and flavorful addition to salads, pasta dishes, and grilled meats.
The Final Word: A Bountiful Garlic Harvest in Missouri
Growing your own garlic in Missouri is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, flavorful garlic throughout the year. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful harvest and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I plant garlic in the spring in Missouri?
A: While fall planting is ideal for garlic in Missouri, you can plant garlic in the spring if you choose. However, spring-planted garlic will generally have smaller bulbs and may not store as well as fall-planted garlic.
Q: How often do I need to water my garlic plants?
A: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during the spring growth period. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that can affect garlic?
A: Garlic is generally pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like white rot. If you notice any signs of disease, remove affected plants and dispose of them properly.
Q: Can I save garlic cloves from my harvest for planting next year?
A: Yes, you can save garlic cloves from your harvest for planting next year. Select healthy, plump cloves from the largest and most vigorous bulbs. Store the cloves in a cool, dry place until planting time.
