Garlic Cultivation & Harvesting complete Taturial

 Cultivation and Harvesting of garlic

 Garlic is a member of the Allium family and is closely related to onions, shallots and leeks.  Garlic is known for its unique flavor and aroma, and has been used in food and medicine for thousands of years.  Today, garlic is a widely cultivated crop grown in many parts of the world.  In this article, we'll discuss the basics of garlic cultivation, including growing conditions, planting techniques, and pruning.

 Garlic sprouts

 Garlic grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.  The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.  Garlic needs full sun and a moderate amount of moisture.  It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.  Garlic can be grown in a wide range of climates, but prefers cooler temperatures.  The ideal temperature range for garlic is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

 Planting tips

 Garlic is usually planted in the fall, about six to eight weeks before a hard frost.  Establishes roots before winter sets in.  Garlic is usually grown from cloves, which are the individual parts that make up a garlic bulb.  Each clove will grow into a new bulb.

 To plant garlic, start by separating the cloves from the bulbs.  Choose the largest cloves to plant, as these will produce the largest bulbs.  Place the cloves with the pointed end up and the flat end down.  Cloves should be planted about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with rows about 12 inches apart.  After planting, cover the cloves with soil and water well.

 Mulching

 After planting, it's a good idea to mulch the garlic bed.  Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.  A layer of straw or leaves can be used for mulch.  Mulching provides insulation for garlic during the winter months.

 Fertilize

 Garlic is a heavy food and requires a lot of nutrients to grow properly.  It is important to fertilize the garlic bed regularly during the growing season.  A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be used.  Burnt animal dung is also used to keep the garlic bed soft and full, which also accelerates the growth of the crop.

 give water

 Garlic needs moderate amount of water.  The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.  Overwatering can cause bulb rot.  During dry weather, it may be necessary to water the garlic bed more frequently.

 harvest

 Garlic is usually ready to harvest in late spring or early summer, depending on the variety and growing conditions.  When the bulbs are ready to harvest, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and the stem will begin to dry up.  To harvest garlic, carefully loosen the soil around the bulb with a garden fork.  Be careful not to damage the bulb with the fork.  Gently pull the garlic bulb out of the soil and clean off any excess dirt.

 Do not dry the garlic

 After harvesting, garlic must be dried before storing.  Curing helps to dry out the bulbs and extend their shelf life.  To dry garlic, hang the bulbs in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.  A garage or shed works well to store garlic.  Bulbs should be hung in bundles of about 10 to 12 bulbs, with leaves still attached.  The treatment process usually takes three to four weeks.

 To store

 After curing, garlic bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry place.  A pantry or basement is a good place to store garlic.  Bulbs should be placed in a mesh bag or basket with good ventilation.  Do not store garlic in a plastic bag, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.