Garlic (Allium sativum)

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Sowing:

Clove Depth:
Soil Temp:
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Date to sow Outdoors:


2 inches
55 Degrees
Not recommended
Late summer to fall
Growing:

pH Range:
Growing Temp:
Spacing:
Watering:
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Rotation:


6.0 - 7.0
55 - 75 Degrees
6 inches
Low
Full Sun, but will tolerate some shade
Moderate N, P and K
Do not follow onion family, cole crops or legumes
Description




Soil


Fertilizer


Planting


Cultivation Care

Companions

Varieties


Harvest



Health Benefits
Garlic is sometimes considered an herb, but it is easily grown in the vegetable garden.  Garlic cloves are easily grown and stored for use all year round.  Garlic is actually a hardy perennial but harvested annually as a vegetable.  The buld is separated into cloves for planting in the cool season. Garlic has many health benefits and is believed to have medicinal uses such as curing the flu, acne, and antibiotic properties.

Garlic needs fertile and loose soil, which has been enriched with compost.  Garlic bulbs have short root systems and needs to have water nearby but will not tolerate flooded conditions.

Compost can be added to the soil to make nutrients available, however, if conventional fertilizers are needed apply a balanced fertilizer of 10-10-10 at 3 pounds per 100 square foot.

Plant garlic gloves in the fall for a spring harvest.  Place individual cloves, pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 1 foot apart.  In raised beds, the row could be 4 inches apart.

Keep garlic moist but not too wet.  Gently cultivate weeds taking care not to disturb the bulbs.  Watch for thrips and rot.

Carrots, nightshade vegetables and cole crops.

Bogatyr, Georgian Crystal, German Extra Hardy and New York White. Elephant garlic is actually a variety of leek, although it has the flavor of garlic.

Later summer when older outside leaves turn yellow and brown or the tops fall over.  Loosen the soil with a fork before pulling.  Pull and shake off the soil, allow drying without direct sunlight to cure the bulb.  Tobs can be left on and braided together and hung for storage.

Manganese, selenium, calcium, copper, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. Contains sulfur-containing compounds that have properties that reduce HDL-cholesterol.

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Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook