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What to do if winter garlic sprouted before the cold weather: saving the harvest with folk methods
25.10.2024 06:20
An early thaw or incorrectly chosen planting dates can provoke premature germination of winter garlic.
The situation requires immediate action, as young shoots are particularly vulnerable to frost.
Reasons for early germination
Premature emergence of garlic seedlings occurs for several reasons.
The main factor is the soil temperature, which exceeds the norm, emphasizes the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.
Warm autumn weather, bulb planting depths less than necessary, and mulching the beds with fresh manure can provoke early germination of the crop.
Protective measures
Saving prematurely sprouted garlic begins with creating a reliable shelter.
The beds are covered with spruce branches, straw or dry leaves in a layer of 15-20 centimeters.
It is recommended to install arches over natural materials and stretch a non-woven material with a density of 60 g/m.
Additional protective measures
Snow cover serves as an excellent natural insulation for winter crops.
If there is none, it is recommended to create an artificial snowdrift over the bed. Snow is collected from the paths and placed on top of the shelter in a layer of 25-30 centimeters.
Prevention of freezing
Strengthening plants before winter increases their chances of survival. Moderate watering with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers helps the root system develop better.
Spraying seedlings with growth biostimulants increases the frost resistance of the crop.
Monitoring the condition of landings
Regular inspection of the beds allows you to promptly notice damage to the covering material or freezing of plants.
If problems are detected, it is necessary to quickly restore the protective layer. In the spring, the cover is removed gradually, giving the plants time to adapt.
Features of spring care
Overwintered plants need special attention. In early spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to stimulate growth.
If necessary, garlic is planted in places where plants have fallen. Timely loosening of the soil and weeding helps the crop to recover more quickly after wintering.
