Garlic cultivation is a popular and straightforward gardening endeavor, offering a rewarding harvest. Planting typically occurs in the fall, allowing the cloves to develop a strong root system before the ground freezes and preparing them for spring growth. Proper preparation of the planting material is the first step toward a successful crop.
Preparing Garlic Cloves for Planting
The answer to whether you peel garlic before planting is definitively no. The papery wrapper, known as the tunic, provides necessary protection. This protective layer acts as a natural barrier, retaining the clove’s moisture and preventing desiccation while underground. Keeping the tunic intact also guards the clove against soilborne pathogens and fungi that could cause rot before the root system establishes itself.
Before planting, gently “crack” the bulb, separating it into individual cloves. Perform this separation no more than a day or two before planting, as separated cloves begin to deteriorate once removed from the root plate. Select only the largest, healthiest cloves, typically from the outer ring of the bulb, as the size of the planted clove directly influences the size of the resulting mature bulb. Cloves that are damaged, soft, or have had their protective tunic removed should be set aside for cooking, since their chances of success are significantly reduced.
Proper Planting Depth and Orientation
Once the cloves are prepared, planting requires attention to orientation and depth. Each clove must be placed with its flat, basal plate end facing down, as this is where the roots will emerge. The pointed end, from which the green shoot will sprout, must face upward. Garlic cloves have difficulty reorienting themselves if planted incorrectly, making this step crucial for growth.
The ideal planting depth for garlic cloves is generally between two and three inches below the soil surface, though some recommendations go as deep as four inches for colder climates. Planting at this depth helps ensure the clove is insulated from freezing temperatures over the winter and provides enough space for the new bulb to form properly. Cloves should be spaced approximately four to six inches apart to give each developing bulb sufficient room to expand. Garlic thrives in loose, well-draining soil, which helps prevent the cloves from rotting in overly wet conditions during their long season underground.