What To Know
- Hardneck varieties are known for their strong flavor and the production of a flowering stalk called a scape.
- If your soil is poor in nutrients, you can fertilize your garlic with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Garlic is also a beautiful addition to your garden, adding a touch of elegance with its green foliage and white flowers.
Vancouver, with its mild, wet winters and cool, humid summers, provides an ideal environment for growing garlic. This pungent bulb adds flavor to countless dishes and is a nutritional powerhouse. But if you’re wondering how to grow garlic in Vancouver, this guide is your ultimate resource.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Vancouver’s climate allows you to grow a variety of garlic types, each with its unique flavor profile and growing characteristics.
- Hardneck Garlic: Hardneck varieties are known for their strong flavor and the production of a flowering stalk called a scape. They are best for storing and have a longer growing season. Popular hardneck varieties include:
- Music: Known for its large cloves and strong flavor.
- German Red: A classic choice with a bold, pungent flavor.
- Chesnok Red: A Russian variety with a spicy, garlicky flavor.
- Softneck Garlic: Softneck varieties are milder in flavor and tend to store longer. They are ideal for braiding and are more adaptable to warmer climates. Popular softneck varieties include:
- Early Italian: A mild, sweet garlic with a shorter growing season.
- Inchelium Red: A flavorful variety with a reddish-purple skin.
- California White: A classic softneck with a mild, sweet flavor.
Planting Your Garlic
The best time to plant garlic in Vancouver is in the fall, between mid-October and mid-November. Here’s how to plant your garlic:
1. Prepare the Soil: Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure for optimal growth.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot: Garlic needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
3. Plant the Cloves: Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Plant each clove with the pointed end facing upwards, 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
4. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the garlic bed deeply to settle the soil around the cloves.
Caring for Your Garlic
Once your garlic is planted, it needs minimal care to thrive.
- Watering: Water your garlic regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for a consistent moisture level, but avoid overwatering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around your garlic plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is poor in nutrients, you can fertilize your garlic with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common garlic pests like aphids and slugs. You can use organic methods to control them, such as diatomaceous earth or neem oil.
Harvesting Your Garlic
Garlic is ready for harvest when the leaves start to turn brown and yellow. Typically, this happens in late June or early July.
1. Harvesting: When the leaves are dry, gently pull the garlic plants from the ground.
2. Curing: After harvesting, let the garlic plants cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry out and store longer.
3. Storing: Once cured, trim the leaves and roots. Store garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Garlic Scape Harvest
Hardneck garlic varieties produce a flowering stalk called a scape. These scapes are edible and have a delicious, garlicky flavor. Harvest the scapes when they are about 6-8 inches long and before they start to curl. You can use scapes in stir-fries, salads, or even pickle them.
Garlic in Your Vancouver Garden: A Feast for the Senses
Growing garlic in Vancouver is a rewarding experience. You’ll be rewarded with fresh, flavorful garlic for your kitchen and the satisfaction of growing your own food. Garlic is also a beautiful addition to your garden, adding a touch of elegance with its green foliage and white flowers.
Beyond the Harvest: Garlic’s Versatility
The versatility of garlic is unmatched. Use it in your favorite dishes, including:
- Garlic Bread: A classic and delicious way to enjoy garlic.
- Garlic Sauces: Add a punch of flavor to pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the flavor of vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, and asparagus.
- Garlic Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a cold Vancouver day.
- Garlic Pesto: A flavorful sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I grow garlic from garlic cloves purchased from the grocery store?
A: Yes, you can grow garlic from grocery store cloves, but it’s important to choose organic cloves that haven’t been treated with growth inhibitors.
Q: What is the best way to store garlic?
A: Store garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can cause it to sprout.
Q: How long does garlic last?
A: Properly stored garlic can last for several months. Hardneck garlic tends to store longer than softneck varieties.
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. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.
Q: What are some common garlic diseases?
A: Garlic is susceptible to a few diseases, including white rot, rust, and downy mildew. Rotate your crops regularly and practice good sanitation to prevent these diseases.
