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Introduction
Garlic is one of the earliest plants ever cultivated by humanity dating back over 5000 years. It was worshipped by the Egyptians, chewed by Greek Olympian athletes, and thought to be essential to keep vampires at bay.
Garlic is considered a medicinal herb as well as being an essential ingredient in many culinary dishes. Whatever your reason for growing garlic, it is easy!
Garlic is a bulb from the lily family and closely related to the onion. There are several varieties available. White is the most common variety. Elephant garlic has large cloves, a mild flavour and is a good insect deterrent. There is also a red skinned variety. Planted among roses, garlic is said to enhance their fragrance and deter insects.
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Planting
Traditionally, garlic is planted in June on the shortest day of the year. In cooler districts it can be planted in early May. Planting can continue through to August. Garlic thrives in any well-drained garden soil in a sunny position.
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Dig in plenty of compost and an application of a general garden fertiliser and lime before planting.
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Break the garlic bulb up into individual cloves taking the largest undamaged cloves from around the outside of the bulb. Do this just before planting as the clove will start to "grow" as soon as it is broken up.
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Press the cloves into the soil with the narrow end up, so they are just covered – approximately 2-5cm deep - depending on the size of the cloves. Plant them 15cm apart. If planting several rows, keep 30cm between the rows.
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Garlic does not like competing with weeds, so keep them weed-free and if conditions are dry, keep well watered. Reduce watering one month before harvest to improve keeping quality. If flower stalks appear, remove them, as this will reduce the size of the garlic bulbs when harvested.
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Garlic can be grown in containers. Use a good quality potting mix and keep the plants well watered during spring. Liquid feed garlic grown in containers regularly using either Thrive or Phostrogen. Plant and harvest the cloves as you would in the garden. |
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Lifting and Storage
Harvest in December on the longest day of the year when the foliage turns brown. Lift by loosening the soil around the bulb with a fork and pull the bulbs up by the tops. Store the bulbs, foliage and all, in a cool, dry, well ventilated place for two to three weeks. When the tops are dry trim them back to the top of the bulb and store in a string bag in a cool, dry well ventilated shed until needed. Alternatively leave about 15cm of foliage on top and braid the bulbs into bunches.
Pests and Diseases
Garlic is relatively pest and disease resistant. Mites are minute insects that cause leaves to speckle and yellow affecting storage after harvest. Spray with Mavrik. Thrips are insects that cause the foliage to become blotched and turn a silvery-grey colour. Spray with Mavrik. Downy Mildew is a fungus that affects garlic in warm, wet weather causing the foliage to yellow, wilt and become stunted. Spray with Fungus Fighter.
Pickled Garlic
250g Garlic peeled and cut into large pieces
1cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons of sugar
¼ teaspoon mustard seed
¼ teaspoon celery seed
In a saucepan boil vinegar, sugar, mustard and celery seed.
Add garlic. Boil for 5 minutes.
Bottle and leave for six weeks before using.
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