Quick notes
produce ail in Minnesota is a rewarding endeavor that yields delicious and nutritious cloves . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror anovice grower , this comprehensive usher will render you with all the noesis and techniques you want to crop a palmy garlic crop in the unique climate of Minnesota .
Selecting the Right Garlic Variety
The first measure in grow garlic is select the correct mixture . There are twomain typesof garlic : hardneck and softneck . Hardneck garlic has ahard stem runningthrough the centre of the bulb , making it easier to lace for memory board . Softneck garlic does not have a hard radical and is typically wanton to grow . For Minnesota’scold mood , hardneck varietiesare advocate . Some pop hardneck varieties admit :
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers well - drained , fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . It is authoritative to get up the dirt in progress by remedy it with compost or manure . keep off planting garlic in soil that has recently been fertilized withfresh manure , as this can sunburn the roots .
Planting Garlic
The ideal meter to found garlic in Minnesota is in the fall , between mid - September and mid - October . Before planting , break thegarlic bulbsinto individual cloves . Plant thecloves head sideup , about 2 inches deep and 6 in apart .
Mulching and Watering
After planting , hide the garlic with a layer of mulch , such as straw or leaves . This will helpretain wet , suppress weeds , and protect the Allium sativum from cold temperatures . Garlic ask temperate watering . Water thegarlic deeplywhen thesoil feels dryto the touching . void overwatering , as this can go to rot .
Fertilizing Garlic
Garlic benefit from alight applicationof fertilizer in the spring . Use abalanced fertilizerwith a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 or 5 - 10 - 5 . Apply the fertilizer around the base of the works and water well .
Pest and Disease Management
Garlic can be susceptible to a few pestis and diseases , including aphids , thrips , andwhite rot . Monitor yourplants regularlyand take appropriate measures to control any problems .
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic istypically readyto crop in mid tolate summer . The leave will go toturn brownand the bulbs will be unbendable to the contact . To harvest , lightly dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a warm , well - ventilate area for several calendar week .
Curing Garlic
Once the Allium sativum is teetotal , it is time to heal it . cure helps to grow the flavor and stretch out theshelf lifeof the garlic . Hang the garlic lightbulb in a drab , well - ventilate areafor 2 - 3 weeks .
Storing Garlic
by rights bring around garlic can be stored for several month . Store the garlic in a cool , wry placewith good air circulation .
Final Thoughts: Garlic Cultivation Success in Minnesota
Growing garlic in Minnesota is a rewarding andmanageable task . By following the step outlined in this guide , you could crop a prosperous garlic crop that will provide you with delectable and nutrient cloves for calendar month to come . Remember to select the correct variety , prepare the grunge properly , plant at the right clip , mulch andwater regularly , fertilize , oversee pests and disease , harvesting and cure thegarlic aright , and store it by rights . With a little care and attention , you could savour the fruits of your labor with a giving harvest of Minnesota - develop ail .