How to grow garlic in your own veggie patch

A GUIDE TO CHEMICAL-FREE, FLAVOURFUL GARLIC

WHY GROW YOUR OWN GARLIC?

Did you know that most of the garlic consumed in Australia is imported, primarily from China? To ensure its safe passage into the country, imported garlic undergoes chemical treatments like bleach and methyl bromide fumigation. By growing your own garlic, you can be confident that it's chemical-free and bursting with authentic flavor.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GARLIC VARIETY

Before you start, select the right garlic variety suited to your region. In Australia, popular varieties include Early Purple, Italian Purple, Elephant Garlic and Australian White.

The best results are going to be achieved using nice plump sized cloves as the new plant is already stored in that bulb. A lot of people try using garlic cloves from the supermarket and planting those – I know, because that’s what I did the first time! What I hadn’t realised at the time was that 95% of garlic in supermarkets come from overseas, it had been bleached and sprayed with growth inhibitors (maleic hydrazide). Although my yield was ok, it wasn’t great. The following year when using the right bulbs, was so much more fruitful.

Look for bulbs specifically labelled as suitable for planting (seed garlic) to ensure successful growth.

WHEN TO SOW GARLIC

Garlic is best planted in autumn for a summer harvest. In Australia, aim to plant garlic cloves between late March and early June. This timing allows the cloves to establish roots over winter and develop into robust plants by spring. If you live in a warmer region of Australia, try storing your garlic cloves in the fridge for a couple of weeks before you plant. This encourages them to sprout and produce a better crop.

HOW TO SOW GARLIC

It’s not as simple as throwing in a garlic clove and letting them go. There’s a little bit you can do before you are ready to plant.

Prepare the Soil: Garlic bulbs can rot pretty easily if the soil does not free drain, so plant in raised garden beds if you can and the water will get away easier. Get your bed prepared by adding compost and manures to the soil a few weeks before planting to give the bulbs a kickstart. Garlic likes an alkaline soil so if your soil has a pH less than 6 (acidic) then add a little dolomite to make it a little more alkaline. The ideal PH level for garlic is between 6 and 7.

Break up the bulb into individual cloves and soak them in liquid seaweed solution or water overnight before sowing. It will make them sprout faster.

Planting Depth and Spacing: The next day, plant them with the pointy end up so they are about 5-7cm below the soil and 10-15cm apart.

Mulch and Water: Cover the planted cloves with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients.

Fertilising: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer during early spring to promote healthy growth.

Pest Control: Garlic naturally repels pests, but keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars.

HARVESTING GARLIC

Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves start to turn yellow and dry, typically around late spring or early summer. The outer leaves browning is their sign to you that they are getting close to being ready.

When there is only about six or so green leaves left on your plant, stop watering for a week. This makes the skins around the cloves shrink and go tight. After a week, you can then gently loosen the soil around the bulbs and carefully lift them out with a fork. 

Hang your garlic in bunches and allow the bulbs to dry out and cure in a dry, airy place for a few weeks before trimming the roots and storing. If you don’t dry them out enough, they won’t store very well long term. Once they are cured, trim off the roots and leaves, store in a cool, dark spot until you next need.

By growing your own garlic, you not only enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop but also relish the unbeatable flavour of chemical-free garlic in your culinary creations.

Ready to embark on your garlic-growing adventure? Start planning your garlic patch today and savour the rewards of homegrown goodness!