Autumn planting of garlic is rightfully considered one of the most exciting moments for gardeners.
Properly prepared soil is the key to a successful winter and a rich harvest next season. But what secret ingredients should be added to the soil to grow a rich garlic harvest?
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told us how to act.
Before grabbing a shovel and applying fertilizer, experienced gardeners recommend conducting a soil analysis.
Garlic prefers slightly acidic or neutral soils with a pH of 6.5-7.0. If the soil is too acidic, it should be limed 2-3 weeks before planting.
Organic fertilizers are the basis of nutrition for garlic. Humus or compost added to the soil when preparing the bed will provide the plants with the necessary nutrients throughout the entire growth period. It is recommended to add 4-5 kg of organic matter per 1 sq. m of the bed.
Wood ash enriches the soil with potassium, phosphorus and microelements. It not only improves the soil structure, but also helps protect garlic from diseases. It is enough to add 100-150 g of ash per 1 sq. m of the garden bed.
Garlic does not like stagnant water, so it is recommended to add sand to heavy clay soils. It will improve drainage and prevent the bulbs from rotting during winter. You can add 1-2 buckets of sand per 1 sq. m of bed.
Phosphorus fertilizers promote the development of a strong root system, which is especially important for winter garlic.
Superphosphate is added at a rate of 20-30 g per 1 sq. m of the garden bed.
Potassium helps garlic form large, well-stored heads. Potassium sulfate is added in the amount of 15-20 g per 1 sq. m.
In autumn, garlic does not need much nitrogen. Excess nitrogen fertilizers can lead to excessive growth of green mass and reduced frost resistance. If the soil is poor, you can add a little urea (10-15 g per 1 sq. m).
Boron, manganese, copper and zinc play an important role in the development of garlic. They can be added as complex micronutrient fertilizers, following the instructions on the package.
Some gardeners add onion peel or aloe infusion to the holes when planting garlic. These natural stimulants help the cloves take root faster and increase their resistance to diseases.
Sowing green manure (mustard, phacelia, vetch) a month before planting garlic helps enrich the soil with organic matter and improves its structure. Green manure is worked into the soil before planting garlic.
Although mulch is not applied directly to the soil, it plays an important role in protecting garlic plantings. After planting, the bed can be mulched with peat, humus or compost with a layer of 2-3 cm. This will protect the cloves from freezing and provide additional nutrition.
