Growing Garlic in North Shore: your comprehensive guide
GARDENWORKS North Shore provides an excellent backdrop for growing garlic. Whether you're a first-time gardener or have experience under your belt, this guide will walk you through the steps to grow robust, flavourful garlic right in your backyard, or visit GARDENWORKS North Shore today and find out yourself!
What is the Best Type of Garlic to Grow in North Shore?
Choosing the right garlic variety is the first step to success. While both hardneck and softneck garlic can thrive in North Shore, each has its strengths.
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Hardneck Garlic: Known for its strong flavour and easy-to-peel cloves, hardneck garlic varieties produce a flower stalk, or scape, that can be harvested and used in cooking. Varieties like ‘Music’ or ‘Rocambole’ are popular choices for their reliability and rich taste.
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Softneck Garlic: Softneck varieties, like ‘Silverskin’ and ‘Artichoke,’ are more flexible and often store longer. They tend to have more cloves per bulb and can be braided for decorative storage.
Visit GARDENWORKS in North Shore to explore our selection of garlic bulbs and get personalized advice on the best variety for your garden.
How Much Sunlight Does Garlic Need?
Garlic thrives in sunny spots. For the best results, plant your garlic in a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day.
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Maximizing Sun Exposure: If your garden has shaded areas, consider planting your garlic in raised beds or containers that can be positioned to catch more sun. This can help ensure even growth and prevent stunted bulbs.
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Monitoring Growth: Keep an eye on your garlic as it grows. If you notice slow growth or smaller leaves, assess whether your plants are receiving enough sunlight and make adjustments as needed.
At GARDENWORKS North Shore, we offer a range of tools and products to help you optimize sunlight exposure in your garden.
Can I Grow Garlic in Containers in North Shore?
Absolutely! Growing garlic in containers is an excellent option for gardeners with limited space or less-than-ideal soil conditions.
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Choosing the Right Container: Select a deep pot with good drainage. A container that’s at least 12 inches deep will give your garlic bulbs plenty of room to develop. Larger containers can also accommodate multiple cloves, spaced 6 inches apart.
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Soil Preparation: Use high-quality potting soil mixed with organic compost to create a nutrient-rich environment. Adding a slow-release fertilizer at planting time can also support healthy growth.
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Watering Needs: Container-grown garlic may dry out more quickly than in-ground plants, so regular watering is crucial. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
When Should I Stop Watering Garlic in North Shore?
Knowing when to stop watering garlic is key to ensuring a successful harvest.
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Signs It’s Time to Stop Watering: As your garlic plants approach maturity, usually in late June or early July, you’ll notice the lower leaves begin to yellow and die back. This is a natural part of the garlic’s life cycle and indicates that the bulbs are nearing full maturity.
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Timing Your Watering: Reduce watering gradually as the leaves start to yellow. Completely stop watering about two weeks before you plan to harvest. This allows the bulbs to dry out slightly, which helps prevent rot and makes the curing process more effective.
How Can I Store Harvested Garlic?
Proper storage is crucial to keeping your garlic fresh and flavorful long after the harvest.
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Curing Garlic: After harvesting, brush off excess soil and lay your garlic bulbs out in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Let them cure for two to three weeks. This drying process allows the outer layers to toughen up, protecting the cloves inside.
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Storing Garlic: Once cured, trim the roots and stalks, leaving about an inch of the stem. Store the bulbs in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or containers that can trap moisture and lead to mold. Instead, use mesh bags, wooden crates, or hang them in bunches.
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Long-Term Storage: Softneck garlic varieties can last up to 8 months if stored properly, while hardneck varieties typically last 4 to 6 months. Check your stored garlic periodically for any signs of sprouting or decay, and use those bulbs first.
GARDENWORKS North Shore offers a selection of storage solutions, from breathable bags to decorative garlic braiding kits, to help you preserve your harvest.
Visit GARDENWORKS North Shore for All Your Garlic Growing Needs
Whether you’re planting your first cloves or storing your latest harvest, GARDENWORKS in North Shore is here to support your gardening journey. Our expert team is ready to provide advice, tools, and products to help you grow garlic successfully.