Garlic

Nice! Garlic is a low-maintenance crop, but spring care is essential to maximize your yield. Here’s what you need to do as the weather warms up: ### **Spring Garlic Care Guide** #### **1. Remove Mulch (If Necessary)** - If you heavily mulched your garlic to protect it from winter cold, start pulling back some of the mulch once temperatures are consistently above freezing. - If the mulch is light (like straw), you can leave it to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. #### **2. Fertilizing** - Garlic is a heavy feeder. Apply a **high-nitrogen fertilizer** (like blood meal, fish emulsion, or alfalfa meal) in **early spring** to encourage strong leafy growth. - Apply another round of nitrogen fertilizer every **2-3 weeks until mid-May** to support rapid leaf growth. #### **3. Watering** - Garlic needs **consistent moisture** in spring, especially as the bulbs start swelling. - **Water deeply** (about 1 inch per week), but avoid waterlogging the soil. - Stop watering about **3 weeks before harvest** (June-July) to prevent rot. #### **4. Weed Management** - Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds, so keep the bed weed-free. - Hand-pulling is best to avoid damaging shallow garlic roots. #### **5. Watch for Pests & Disease** - Look for **onion thrips, nematodes, and fungal issues** like rust or white rot. - If you see yellowing leaves too early, it might be a sign of nutrient deficiency or disease. #### **6. Managing Garlic Scapes (If Growing Hardneck Garlic)** - In **May or June**, hardneck garlic will send up **scapes** (curly flower stalks). - **Remove the scapes** once they curl to focus energy on the bulb, but save them! Garlic scapes are delicious in stir-fries, pesto, and soups. #### **7. Harvest Timing** - Garlic is ready when **50% of the leaves have turned yellow/brown** (usually June-July). - Avoid waiting too long, as over-mature bulbs can split and won’t store well. --- ### **Bonus Tip: Companion Planting** - If you have space, planting **lettuce, carrots, or beets** around garlic can help maximize your garden space and keep pests in check. How’s your garlic looking so far? Are the shoots emerging yet?