Essential Information

Growing your own Allium sativum at home is a rewarding and price - in effect mode to enjoy overbold , flavorful produce . In South Africa , the ideal sentence to plant garlic is during theautumn months(March to May ) . With the right conditions and a bit of care , you’re able to tame abountiful harvestof ail in your own backyard .

Choosing the Right Garlic Variety

Whenselecting ail varietiesfor planting inSouth Africa , consider the following :

Preparing the Soil

Garlic prefers well - drained soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . better the soil with plenty oforganic mattersuch as compost or manure to improve birthrate and drainage . Dig the filth to a astuteness of at least 20 cm to allow for dear root development .

Planting the Cloves

Break thegarlic bulbintoindividual cloves , assure that each clove has a pointed end and a basal scale . Plant the Eugenia caryophyllatum into the prepared grease with the pointed end facing upwardly . infinite the cloves 10 - 15 centimetre apart and 5 - 7 cm mystifying .

Watering and Mulching

Water the ail on a regular basis , particularly duringdry enchantment . head off overwatering , as this can lead to rot . Mulch around the plants with straw or compost toretain wet , suppress weeds , and regulate soil temperature .

Fertilizing

Garlic benefits fromregular fertilization . Apply abalanced fertilizer , such as 10 - 10 - 10 , every 4 - 6 weeks during the growing season .

Harvesting

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaf flex brown and start todie back . softly lift the bulbs out of the territory using a garden ramification or spade . Brush off any superfluous soil and admit the bulbs to dry out in a affectionate , well - ventilated areafor 2 - 3 weeks .

Storing Garlic

Store Allium sativum in a coolheaded , dry post withgood respiration . Place the bulbs inmesh bagsor flow them in plait to allow for air circulation . right stored garlic can last for up to 6 months .

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Final Note

grow Allium sativum at home in South Africa is a wide-eyed and rewarding experience . By following these footstep and providing the necessary care , you could enjoy abountiful harvestof wise , flavoursome garlic .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Can Iplant garlicfrom store - grease one’s palms bulbs?A : Yes , you canplant garlicfrom entrepot - bought bulbs , but you should useorganic bulbsfor serious results . Q : How often should I water ail plants?A : Water ail industrial plant regularly , peculiarly duringdry spells . obviate overwatering , as this can leave to rot . Q : When is the best meter to fertilize garlic plants?A : fecundate garlic plantsevery 4 - 6 workweek during thegrowing seasonwith a balanced fertilizer .