Garlic planting – three weeks before the first frost and other useful tips

Do you have garlic in the ground already? Well, the answer to this question will largely depend on various customs and also on the area where you live. Planting garlic is an individual matter and for many of us even a true science. Nevertheless, all of us should observe well-established requirements which are more or less the same. A correct process can greatly increase your harvest and that is what you want. So, let us take a closer look at a few tricks that you should consider before planting your own garlic.

Few facts

In general, garlic should go in the ground in the fall, specifically about 3 weeks before the first frosts hit. If you plant late, garlic will not have enough time to take root. If you plant early, you are risking that young shoots may be killed by frost. In general, a clove of garlic should have 12 to 18 roots which should be from 5 to 10 cm long. How long does garlic need to develop this root system? Well, between 35 and 45 days.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

When should you start planting and what does the lunar calendars ays?

In the northern regions you may start planting garlic already in September and October. Soaking garlic before planting is very important and should be done. The lunar calendar says interesting things and if you are slightly superstitious then you should listen. According to the 2021 lunar calendar the most suitable days for garlic planting were September 17, 18, 23, 26, 27 and October 15, 16. As for November, the suitable days were from 8 – 11 and 13.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Location is also important

We all want to get the biggest and nicest garlic, right? Well, try planting garlic where you planted the following crops before:

• beans,
• cucumbers,
• eggplant or
• tomatoes.

These are plants that have supplied the soil with a good amount of nitrogen and garlic needs nitrogen for growth.

On the other hand, do not plan garlic where you planted the following:

• onion,
• garlic
• root vegetable.

An equally good spot is a location were tomatoes, pumpkins or cucumbers were planted and did well – these are usually sunny spots and ideal for winter garlic.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Garlic soaking

While soaking garlic is not absolutely necessary it is definitely worth it. Soaking protects garlic from various future problems. There are special garlic soaking solutions and you should soak for 8 to 12 hours. 1 litre of solution is usually used for 1 kg of garlic.

Cloves must point downward with the root part

Pay attention to this requirement, otherwise your harvest may be reduced significantly. Cloves should be approximately 7 to 8 cm apart and rows should be 20 cm apart. A good idea is to cover garlic with peat or fallen leaves before the winter but it is not necessary.

Source: https://abecedazahrady.dama.cz/clanek/vypestujte-si-vlastni-cesnek-je-tu-cas-vysadby
https://www.cesnek.cz/pestovani
https://www.zahrada-centrum.cz/clanky/119-s-podzimni-vysadbou-cesneku-nespechejte
https://tojenapad.dobrenoviny.sk/ako-vysadit-ozimny-cesnak-2/

Preview photo: Radek Štěpán