Organic Garlic Farming: Tips and Tricks

June 11, 2024 Bill Hageman

Garlic is a staple in many kitchens around the world, cherished for its flavor and versatility. Growing garlic organically offers a rewarding experience, ensuring that your harvest is free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides. This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable tips and tricks for successful organic garlic farming, focusing on soil preparation, natural pest control, and organic fertilizers.

What is Organic Garlic Farming?

Organic garlic farming involves planting garlic cloves from varieties such as softneck garlic, elephant garlic, and true garlic. To grow garlic organically, farmers plant garlic in nutrient-rich soil without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring the production of fresh garlic and robust garlic bulbs.

Planting garlic involves careful garlic planting techniques to maintain soil health and promote vigorous growth. When harvesting garlic, the result is high-quality garlic that you can proudly call your own garlic, unlike the less reliable plant store garlic.

Benefits of Organic Garlic Farming

Organic garlic farming offers numerous benefits, including healthier garlic cloves and more flavorful fresh garlic. By choosing to plant garlic organically, you reduce the risk of diseases like fusarium bulb rot, ensuring stronger garlic plants and better yields.

Growing garlic without synthetic chemicals also produces vibrant garlic scapes and healthier garlic leaves, contributing to a more robust garlic bulb. Unlike plant store bought garlic, organically grown garlic is ready to harvest with superior quality and taste.

Understanding Garlic Varieties

Before diving into the specifics of organic garlic farming, it's essential to understand the two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.

Hardneck Garlic: Known for its robust flavor and ease of peeling, hardneck garlic varieties are well-suited for colder climates. They produce a flower stalk called a scape, which can be harvested and used in cooking.
Softneck Garlic: Softneck varieties have a milder flavor and are better suited for warmer climates. They typically have a longer shelf life and do not produce scapes.

Choosing the right variety for your climate and culinary preferences is the first step toward a successful organic garlic crop.

Soil Preparation

Soil Testing and pH Levels

Healthy soil is the foundation of successful organic garlic farming. Start by testing your soil to determine its pH level and nutrient content. Garlic thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can adjust the pH by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it, based on your soil test results.

Soil Structure

Garlic requires well-drained soil with good structure to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Loamy soil with high organic matter content is ideal. To improve soil structure, incorporate compost, aged manure, or well-rotted leaf mold into the soil. This not only enhances drainage but also boosts the soil's fertility.

Organic Amendments

Organic amendments play a critical role in enriching the soil, improving its structure, and providing essential nutrients for healthy garlic growth. Here’s a more detailed look at various organic fertilizers and amendments you can use to prepare your garlic bed:

Compost

Compost is an essential organic amendment, rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and promotes overall soil health. Here are some key points about using compost:

Application: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of compost to your garlic bed and incorporate it into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This can be done a few weeks before planting to allow the compost to integrate well with the soil.
Quality: Ensure that the compost is well-decomposed and free from weed seeds. Homemade compost or commercially available compost can be used, but it should be fully matured to avoid nitrogen drawdown.

Aged Manure

Aged manure is another excellent source of organic matter and nutrients. It improves soil fertility and structure, promoting vigorous garlic growth. Key considerations include:

Types: Common types of manure include cow, horse, sheep, and poultry manure. Each type has varying nutrient profiles, with poultry manure generally being higher in nitrogen.
Aging: Manure should be aged or composted for at least 6 months to reduce the risk of burning plants and to eliminate pathogens.
Application: Apply aged manure at a rate of about 20-30 pounds per 100 square feet. Work it into the soil a few weeks before planting to ensure even distribution and integration.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is a slow-release source of phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for root development and overall plant health. Detailed application tips include:

Nutrient Content: Bone meal typically contains 10-15% phosphorus and around 20% calcium. It’s especially beneficial for promoting strong root systems.
Application Rate: Apply bone meal at a rate of 3-4 pounds per 100 square feet. Mix it thoroughly into the planting area before placing the garlic cloves.
Timing: Apply bone meal at planting time to provide a steady supply of phosphorus throughout the growing season.

Greensand

Greensand is a mineral amendment that provides potassium and trace minerals, essential for plant health and disease resistance. Important details include:

Nutrient Profile: Greensand contains about 7% potassium and a variety of trace minerals. It helps improve soil texture and water retention.
Application Rate: Use greensand at a rate of 5-10 pounds per 100 square feet. It can be mixed into the soil before planting or used as a top dressing during the growing season.
Benefits: In addition to providing nutrients, greensand improves the soil’s cation exchange capacity, enhancing its ability to hold onto and exchange nutrients.

Kelp Meal

Kelp meal is derived from seaweed and is rich in micronutrients, amino acids, and growth hormones. It supports overall plant health and stress resistance. Here’s how to use it:

Nutrient Content: Kelp meal provides small amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and numerous trace elements that boost plant vigor.
Application Rate: Apply kelp meal at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. It can be incorporated into the soil before planting or used as a side dressing during the growing season.
Benefits: Kelp meal enhances plant resilience to environmental stressors and promotes healthy root and shoot development.

Blood Meal

Blood meal is a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer that can be used to boost vegetative growth in garlic. It should be used cautiously to avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to poor bulb development. Key points include:

Nutrient Profile: Blood meal typically contains around 12-15% nitrogen, making it a potent source of this essential nutrient.
Application Rate: Apply blood meal at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. Incorporate it into the soil before planting or as a side dressing during the early stages of growth.
Timing: Use blood meal during the initial growth phase to promote leafy growth. Reduce nitrogen applications as the plants start to form bulbs.

Rock Phosphate

Rock phosphate is a natural mineral source of phosphorus, which is critical for root development. Detailed application guidelines include:

Nutrient Content: Rock phosphate contains around 30% phosphorus. It is a slow-release fertilizer that remains available in the soil for several years.
Application Rate: Apply rock phosphate at a rate of 5 pounds per 100 square feet. Mix it into the soil before planting to ensure even distribution.
Benefits: Rock phosphate supports robust root systems and enhances the plant’s ability to uptake other essential nutrients.

Feather Meal

Feather meal is another high-nitrogen organic fertilizer made from processed poultry feathers. It provides a slow-release source of nitrogen:

Nutrient Profile: Feather meal typically contains around 12-14% nitrogen.
Application Rate: Apply feather meal at a rate of 3-4 pounds per 100 square feet. Incorporate it into the soil before planting to provide a steady supply of nitrogen.
Benefits: Feather meal slowly breaks down, releasing nitrogen over an extended period, which supports sustained vegetative growth.

Timing

Garlic is typically planted in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the cloves to establish roots before winter. In milder climates, garlic can also be planted in early spring.

Selecting Seed Garlic

Choose high-quality, disease-free seed garlic from a reputable supplier. Avoid using grocery store garlic, as it may be treated with chemicals or unsuitable for your climate.

Clove Preparation

Separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, ensuring that the papery skins remain intact. Select the largest cloves for planting, as they will produce the best bulbs.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Plant garlic cloves 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Space the cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.

Mulching

Mulching is an essential practice in organic garlic farming. It helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Use organic mulches such as straw, hay, or shredded leaves. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch after planting to protect the cloves during winter and promote healthy growth in the spring.

Natural Pest Control

Organic garlic farming emphasizes natural pest control methods to avoid synthetic pesticides. Here are some effective strategies:

Crop Rotation

Practicing crop rotation helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. Avoid planting garlic in the same spot where other alliums (e.g., onions, leeks) have grown in the past 3-4 years.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing garlic alongside other plants that can help deter pests. Some beneficial companions for garlic include:

Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other harmful insects.
Chrysanthemums: Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Chamomile: Enhances garlic's flavor and attracts pollinators.

Biological Controls

Biological controls are a cornerstone of organic garlic farming, leveraging natural predators, beneficial insects, and microorganisms to manage pest populations and maintain a balanced ecosystem. This method avoids synthetic chemicals, promoting a healthier environment for both plants and beneficial organisms. Here’s a detailed look at various biological control strategies:

Beneficial Insects

Introducing beneficial insects into your garlic garden can effectively control pest populations. These natural predators and parasitoids can keep harmful insect numbers in check. Here are some key beneficial insects and how to attract or introduce them:

Ladybugs (Ladybird Beetles)

Prey: Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects that can damage garlic plants.
Attraction: Planting flowers such as marigolds, dill, and fennel can attract ladybugs to your garden. These plants provide nectar and pollen, which ladybugs also consume.
Introduction: You can purchase ladybugs from garden supply stores and release them in your garlic bed in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Lacewings

Prey: Lacewing larvae, known as "aphid lions," are voracious predators of aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, and thrips.
Attraction: Flowers like yarrow, cosmos, and tansy attract adult lacewings, which feed on nectar and pollen.
Introduction: Like ladybugs, lacewings can be purchased and released in your garden. Ensure they have adequate habitat and food sources to thrive.

Predatory Nematodes

Prey: Predatory nematodes target soil-dwelling pests such as root maggots, cutworms, and beetle larvae.
Application: These microscopic organisms are usually applied as a soil drench. Mix them with water and apply them to the soil around your garlic plants.
Timing: Apply nematodes in the early morning or late evening to avoid UV exposure, which can harm them.

Parasitic Wasps

Prey: Parasitic wasps lay their eggs in or on the bodies of host insects such as caterpillars, aphids, and whiteflies. The developing wasp larvae feed on the host, eventually killing it.
Attraction: Plants like dill, fennel, and coriander attract adult parasitic wasps by providing nectar and pollen.
Introduction: Parasitic wasps can also be purchased and released in your garden to control specific pest populations.

Beneficial Microorganisms

Beneficial microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, can enhance soil health and protect garlic plants from diseases and pests.

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Benefits: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake (particularly phosphorus) and improving plant resilience to stress and disease.
Application: Mycorrhizal fungi can be added to the soil as a powder or granules at planting time. Ensure the soil is kept moist to support fungal colonization.

Trichoderma Fungi

Benefits: Trichoderma fungi colonize plant roots and compete with pathogenic fungi, reducing the incidence of soil-borne diseases like root rot and Fusarium.
Application: These fungi are typically applied as a soil drench or incorporated into potting mixes.

Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt)

Prey: Bt is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces toxins harmful to specific insect larvae, such as those of moths and butterflies.
Application: Bt can be sprayed on garlic plants to control caterpillar pests. It is most effective when applied to young larvae.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing certain plants together to enhance each other’s growth and protect against pests.

Marigolds

Benefits: Marigolds release compounds that repel nematodes and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Planting: Interplant marigolds throughout your garlic bed to provide continuous protection.

Chrysanthemums

Benefits: Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, natural insecticides that deter pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Planting: Plant chrysanthemums near garlic to take advantage of their pest-repelling properties.

Chamomile

Benefits: Chamomile can improve garlic’s flavor and attract pollinators and beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps.
Planting: Chamomile can be interplanted with garlic or grown nearby to provide these benefits.

Habitat Management

Creating a habitat that supports beneficial insects and organisms is crucial for effective biological control.

Diversity

Plant Diversity: A diverse garden with a variety of plants can attract a wide range of beneficial insects and support a balanced ecosystem.
Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover or vetch in between garlic rows can provide habitat for beneficial insects and improve soil health.

Shelter

Insect Hotels: Providing insect hotels or shelters can offer refuge for beneficial insects during adverse weather conditions.
Mulch and Leaf Litter: A layer of mulch or leaf litter can create a habitat for ground-dwelling predators like beetles and spiders.

Water Sources

Shallow Dishes: Providing shallow dishes of water with stones for insects to land on can attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Drip Irrigation: Using drip irrigation not only conserves water but also provides a consistent moisture level that supports beneficial soil microorganisms.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the effectiveness of biological controls.

Pest Scouting: Regularly inspect your garlic plants for signs of pest activity. Early detection allows for timely intervention with biological controls.
Record Keeping: Keep records of pest activity and the effectiveness of your biological control methods. This can help you refine your approach over time.
Balance: Strive for a balance in your garden ecosystem. Avoid practices that could harm beneficial insects, such as overuse of broad-spectrum insecticides.

By integrating these biological control methods into your organic garlic farming practices, you can effectively manage pests while promoting a healthy, sustainable garden ecosystem. This approach not only protects your garlic crop but also contributes to the overall health and biodiversity of your garden.

Watering

Proper watering is essential for healthy garlic growth. Garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during the early stages of development. However, overwatering can lead to rot and disease.

Irrigation Schedule

Fall and Early Spring: Water garlic regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Spring and Early Summer: Increase watering frequency as the plants grow and the weather warms up.
Late Summer: Reduce watering as the bulbs mature to prevent rot and encourage curing.

Watering Techniques

Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the roots, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Soaker Hoses: Provide even moisture distribution and minimize water waste.
Mulch: Helps retain soil moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering.

Weed Management

Weeds compete with garlic for nutrients and water, so effective weed management is crucial.

Mulching

As mentioned earlier, mulching helps suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.

Hand Weeding

Regular hand weeding is essential, especially during the early stages of garlic growth. Be careful not to disturb the garlic roots while weeding.

Organic Weed Control Methods

Growing garlic, whether it's softneck garlic, hardneck garlic, or elephant garlic, requires careful planning to manage weed pressure and maintain soil pH. When you plant cloves, especially in heavy clay soil, organic herbicides and mulching are effective organic weed control methods to ensure healthy garlic plants.

For pest management garlic, maintaining a weed-free environment is crucial to producing robust garlic bulbs and flavorful garlic scapes. Regularly monitor and adjust your organic weed control methods to harvest garlic successfully, including varieties like artichoke garlic, known for their mild garlic flavor.

Harvesting and Curing

Timing

Garlic is typically ready for harvest in late spring to early summer, depending on your climate and planting time. Harvest when the lower leaves turn brown and the upper leaves remain green.

Harvesting Technique

Carefully lift the garlic bulbs from the soil using a garden fork or spade. Avoid pulling the plants by the stems to prevent damage to the bulbs.

Curing

Curing is a critical step to ensure proper storage and longevity of your garlic. Follow these steps:

Cleaning: Gently brush off excess soil from the bulbs without washing them.
Drying: Hang the garlic in bundles or spread them out on a screen in a well-ventilated, dry, and shaded area. Allow the garlic to cure for 2-3 weeks until the outer skins are papery and the bulbs are fully dry.
Trimming: Trim the roots and cut the stems to about 1 inch above the bulbs.

Storage

Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your organic garlic.

Temperature and Humidity

Store cured garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Ideal storage temperatures range from 60-70°F (15-21°C) with low humidity to prevent mold growth.

Containers

Use breathable containers like mesh bags, paper bags, or wooden crates to store garlic. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to rot.

Checking Regularly

Inspect your stored garlic periodically for signs of spoilage or sprouting. Remove any damaged or sprouted bulbs to prevent them from affecting the rest of the batch.

In Summary

Organic garlic farming is a rewarding and sustainable practice that yields flavorful and chemical-free bulbs. By focusing on soil preparation, natural pest control, and organic fertilizers, you can cultivate a thriving garlic crop while promoting a healthy ecosystem. Remember to choose the right garlic variety for your climate, practice crop rotation and companion planting, and provide consistent care throughout the growing season. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to a successful organic garlic harvest.

Enjoy our Seed Garlic for sale. We have multiple varieties available.