What To Know
- Shake off excess soil and allow the garlic to dry in a cool, shady place for a few weeks.
- Once the garlic is dry, cut off the tops and store the bulbs in a cool, dark place.
- Once the garlic is cured, cut off the tops and roots and store the bulbs in a cool, dark place.
Garlic, an aromatic and versatile ingredient, is a staple in kitchens worldwide. Its distinct flavor and health benefits make it a popular choice for culinary creations. If you have garlic cloves that have sprouted, don’t discard them! With proper care, you can transform these sprouted cloves into thriving garlic plants, yielding a bountiful harvest. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to grow garlic once it sprouts, ensuring a successful and rewarding gardening experience.
1. Selecting the Right Garlic Cloves
The foundation of successful garlic cultivation lies in selecting the appropriate garlic cloves. Choose firm and plump cloves with visible sprouts. Avoid any cloves that appear soft, damaged, or diseased. Organic garlic cloves are preferred as they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
2. Preparing the Planting Site
Garlic thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your soil is not ideal, consider amending it with compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.
3. Planting the Sprouted Garlic Cloves
Once you have selected the right garlic cloves and prepared the planting site, it’s time to plant them. Follow these steps to ensure proper planting:
- Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves, ensuring each clove has a sprout.
- Plant the cloves pointy side up, approximately 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
- Cover the cloves with soil and water thoroughly.
- Mulch around the planting area to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Watering and Fertilizing Garlic Plants
Garlic plants require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Aim to water your garlic plants deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize your garlic plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions.
5. Pest and Disease Management
Garlic plants are generally hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, it’s essential to keep an eye out for common problems such as aphids, thrips, and white rot. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, take appropriate action to control them promptly.
6. Harvesting and Storing Garlic
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid-summer, approximately 120-150 days after planting. The leaves of the garlic plant will start to turn brown and fall over when it is ready for harvest.
To harvest garlic, carefully dig up the entire plant using a garden fork. Shake off excess soil and allow the garlic to dry in a cool, shady place for a few weeks. Once the garlic is dry, cut off the tops and store the bulbs in a cool, dark place.
7. Enjoying Your Homegrown Garlic
Once your garlic is cured, you can enjoy it in various culinary creations. Use it to add flavor to stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, and stews. You can also roast garlic cloves whole or make garlic powder and garlic salt for versatile seasoning options.
Harvesting and Storing Sprouted Garlic
When the garlic is ready for harvest, you will notice that the leaves have turned brown and died back. Dig up the entire plant, including the bulbs, and shake off the excess soil.
To cure the garlic, hang the plants upside down in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks. Once the garlic is cured, cut off the tops and roots and store the bulbs in a cool, dark place. Sprouted garlic can be stored for up to 6 months.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I plant sprouted garlic cloves directly in the ground?
Yes, you can plant sprouted garlic cloves directly in the ground. Just make sure to plant them pointy side up and about 2 inches deep.
2. What is the best time to plant sprouted garlic cloves?
The best time to plant sprouted garlic cloves is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This will give the garlic time to establish roots before the ground freezes.
3. How often should I water my garlic plants?
Garlic plants need about 1 inch of water per week. Water them more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.
4. How long does it take for garlic to grow?
Garlic takes about 120-150 days to grow from planting to harvest.
5. How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?
Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves have turned brown and died back.
6. How do I store garlic?
Store garlic in a cool, dark place. You can store it in a mesh bag, a paper bag, or a cardboard box.
