How to Grow Great Garlic
Garlic is a New England culinary staple that deserves a spot in every garden.
With its rich flavors and numerous health benefits, it’s a fabulous crop to grow whether you’re a beginning gardener or a market grower. At Cape Ann Gardens, we’re excited to offer a few helpful tips for growing a successful garlic crop, featuring the seed garlic varieties we’re offering this fall: Wild Miller, Chesnok Red, Red Russian, and Music.
Our Seed Garlic Offerings
This year, we are offering four excellent options, with the possibility that a few other varieties may trickle in.
Chesnok Red: Originating from the Republic of Georgia, this hardneck variety is known for its sweet, mellow flavor when roasted, making it a favorite for culinary enthusiasts.
Red Russian: A hardy, reliable hardneck with large cloves and a complex flavor, ideal for both cooking and natural remedies.
Music: One of the most popular hardneck varieties, Music is loved for its large, easy-to-peel cloves and smooth, rich flavor.
Wild Miller: A rare hardneck variety with a bold, spicy flavor, perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their dishes.
When To Plant Garlic
Timing is key to planting garlic successfully. The best time to plant is between mid-October and early November, when the soil temperature consistently falls between 50°F and 60°F. This range is ideal for allowing the garlic to establish strong roots before the ground freezes, while also preventing premature sprouting. If the soil is too warm, the garlic may begin to grow above ground, which can make it vulnerable to cold damage later in the season. By planting during this period, you’re giving your garlic—whether it’s Wild Miller, Chesnok Red, Red Russian, or Music—the best start possible for a healthy and productive harvest.
Nurturing Garlic with Jadam Microbial Solution (JMS)
Garlic is considered a heavy feeder, requiring a steady supply of nutrients throughout its growing season to produce large, healthy bulbs. To meet these needs, it’s essential to start with nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, work in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure to supply essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Incorporating Jadam Microbial Solution (JMS) into your garlic-growing practices can further enhance soil fertility and plant health. JMS is a potent, homemade microbial solution that introduces a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms into the soil. These microbes help break down organic matter, improve nutrient availability, and strengthen the garlic’s natural defenses against pests and diseases. Start by applying JMS to your garden beds before planting, and continue with regular applications throughout the growing season. This practice not only supports the garlic’s nutrient needs but also fosters strong root development and robust bulb formation.
During the growing season, garlic benefits from additional feeding, especially in early spring when it begins its rapid growth phase. A side-dressing of compost or an organic fertilizer high in nitrogen will support strong leaf growth, which is crucial for bulb development. As the season progresses, switching to a balanced fertilizer will help your garlic continue to thrive. However, be careful not to over-fertilize later in the season, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of bulb size.
JMS prior to dilution and application.
Planting and Spacing Your Garlic
Planting garlic is a straightforward process, but spacing is crucial for healthy growth. Plant each clove 2-4 inches deep and space them 6 inches apart, with rows about 12 inches wide. This gives your garlic room to grow large, robust bulbs. After planting, cover the bed with a generous layer of organic mulch, like salt marsh hay. This will protect your garlic from the winter cold, suppress weeds, and help retain moisture.
Garlic growing happily in the Pioneer Valley.
We’ll Check In Next Spring…
We’ll be sure to follow up with tips and updates on growing garlic throughout the winter and next spring.