The distinctive aroma that is released when a clove of garlic is crushed is unmistakable. Garlic is a highly prized health food that has been grown for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties. It is easy to grow and has many different uses and benefits. It is a very versatile ingredient, excellent for flavouring many types of dishes. The cloves can be used raw or cooked. It is valued for its antibacterial and antiviral properties and is known to boost the immune system. It is used to relieve colds and flu, moderate cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus it is high in antioxidants.

When & where to plant

Garlic can be planted in autumn and is ready for harvest in late spring to summer. The biggest bulbs are formed when the cloves are planted early in autumn, however planting too early can cause the bulbs to rot. Garlic is ready to plant when a shoot develops in the centre of the clove. Slice open a clove to check if the shoot has started.

Select a full sun position with improved soil that is free-draining. Add well-rotted cow manure compost with biochar a few weeks before planting. Compost adds nutrients, improves soil structure, retains moisture and helps with long-term soil fertility. Add organic nitrogen, such as chicken manure and incorporate into the soil before planting.

Apply Blood and Bone and Dynamic Lifter, 1 handful every square meter, plus Potash, for strong root systems, the formation of healthy leaves and stems, increased bulb size and improved flavour and quality.

If the soil pH is neutral or low, adding lime can be beneficial. The recommended pH is 6 – 7.

As the cloves are in the ground over autumn and winter when the soil can be quite damp, there must be very good drainage so they don’t rot before they have a chance to shoot.

Garlic will grow well in containers, but it will take a long time for the crop to develop so it needs to be carefully managed when grown in pots.

When a suitable location has been chosen and the soil properly prepared, separate the cloves. Soak the cloves in a seaweed solution of 1 tspn per 1L of water. Soak cloves overnight and never for longer than 12 hours. Loosen the soil and plant individually 3cm deep and approximately 8-10 cm apart, pointy end up.  Rows should be 15 – 30cm apart to produce an abundant crop of about 5 bulbs per m2. Water in with a fish emulsion.

Care & Harvest

Correct watering and fertilizing are important. The soil needs to stay moist for the first few weeks after planting. After this, consistent autumn and winter rains should be enough to sustain the plant growth. Once the warmer weather returns, water regularly during the growing season, especially in spring.  Garlic needs 25mm of watering each week.

After the first leaves begin to appear, mulch with pea straw. This will reduce the growth of weeds. Garlic does not compete well with weeds and weeds must be removed during the growing season.

Fertilise with a balanced organic fertiliser at regular intervals to ensure the plant has enough food to grow strongly. Apply fish emulsion or worm teas every fortnight. Applications of a seaweed solution once a month will help develop the bulb. Apply Potash every 6 weeks to promote bulb growth.

The first tender green shoots produced by the plant are called Scapes. Wait for these stalks to curl and then cut at the base of the scape stem.

Garlic needs the transition from short cool days in winter to long warmer days in summer to set a good-sized bulb. In warmer, sub-tropical areas, the plant may produce lots of green top growth and very small bulbs.

Cease watering and feeding of garlic four weeks prior to harvest to ensure the plants become dry and firm before lifting. Once the foliage has wilted at the base and turns yellow/brown, use a trowel to gently lift up the bulb from underneath and at the same time pull on the stem. The bulb should come out relatively easily.

Once the bulb is harvested, rub off as much soil as possible without removing the papery outer skin. Hang in a cool, dry and dark environment with good ventilation. Bulbs can be hung from the stems, in a mech bag or spaced on a rack. The bulbs will harden and the leaves will have dried off after a few weeks. It is fine to use some of the cloves straight away. Bulbs will keep for a long time if stored correctly.

Why not try growing some garlic for yourself? Shop Garlic

This is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our horticulturists for specific advice for your situation.