The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting cooler. Fall is in the air and while we don’t have snow like Calgary did just the other day, it is coming sooner than we may think.
Many of our gardens are starting to slow down in terms of their production and yields and many summer blooms are starting to fade. Fall is coming, and that means it’s almost time to plant garlic.
Garlic Planting and Care
Garlic gets planting in October – typically in the first half of the month. It needs some time to grow a little bit before a hard frost stops all growth entirely, but not too much growth that it could be damaged by the extreme cold. Like many plants, we need to think like Goldilocks. Not too hot and not too cold, but just right.
For the DIY gardeners, here is our guide on how to plant your own garlic. You should be ordering your garlic now if you order online or by mail order. There are numerous garlic festivals coming up where you can buy garlic locally.
After your garlic has been planted, here is our garlic planting FAQ and post planting care and instructions.
YUF Garlic Planting Products and Services
For those looking for a bit of help, we offer a number of options.
1. Fall garlic planting service for raised beds and in-ground gardens
Have us come and get your garlic planted in an existed bed or in-ground garden area. We can also build a raised bed for a fall planting or prepare a new garden area for the garlic if needed as well.
2. Fall EarthBox Garlic Promotion
Grow garlic in one of our favourite self-watering planters – the EarthBox. Buy one and get the other one 50% off. Great for gifts and housewarming presents.
Why You Should Grow Garlic
Garlic is one of our favourite crops to grow. Here are our top 5 reasons to plant garlic
1. It’s easy to grow and requires little care and maintenance
The most work you’ll have to do is preparing your planting area and planting the individual cloves. After that you need a bit of patience for it to grow and for it to cure once harvested.
2. It can help keep bad bugs and animals away from your garden
Garlic like many plants in the onion family can help keep harmful insects from your garden. These include flies, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and snails due to their pungent smell.
3. It tastes delicious and is healthy for you
Garlic is a staple in many cuisines and can be prepared and enjoyed in a variety of ways including fresh, baked, fried, and more. Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that can be used to promote good health and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
4. You can grow unique heirloom varieties
There are dozens of varieties of garlic available just like there are lots of varieties of tomatoes. Some are larger, some are spicier, some are sweeter. Grow you own to experience a wide range of tastes and flavours from this extraordinary plant.
5. It can fit in a variety of planting styles
Garlic can be planted in its own bed (recommended), as a border/edging plant, as a companion plant in part of the vegetable/herb garden, and even incorporated into ornamental gardens. Your unique situation and goals will determine where you want to plant your garlic.
Contact us for all of your garlic growing needs. We’re happy to help.
