skip to main content

First time growing garlic

18 years ago

I'm mainly a container herb gardener because i'm a college student and move around alot, usually apartments. but i just got a plot in a local community garden. I don't know much about growing vegetables and that's okay, because I'll learn from my mistakes, but the one thing I don't want to mess up on is garlic! I want lots of it, and lots of different kinds. Does anyone have any recommendations, (the spicier the better), but mainly something that is easier to grow than the rest, for a first-timer like me? I read so much about Spanish Roja from books, but I've searched the forums here and read that some people have had problems with it. Any recommendations would help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

username_5
18 years ago
Don't sweat it, garlic is really easy to grow. It is rarely bothered by pests whether they be bugs, rodents or disease.

They ask only for organic rich ground (use a shovel to work in some compost or manure, ample water during those hot days and some reasonably soft soil (go back to the organic rich soil part) to expand the cloves in.

Momma nature takes care of the rest.

Go to a website that offers many varieties and read the various cultural requirements that do best by the various varieties and use that as your starting point. Again, don't sweat it. Garlic is easy.
leahsurfer
Original Author
18 years ago
right on. the garden i'm a member of is strictly organic and the soil is mostly clay.
Related Discussions
My garlic: Is it nearing harvest?
Q
Comments (6)
Thank you! I found part of the plant tag which broke, and the piece I found says "Garlic"; guess the part that says "Chives" is still in the ground, LOL. So, it's a perennial herb like regular chives! I'll cut the flowers soon before the go to seed... I'll give the bees a chance to feast on them first. Thank you again! Jen
...See More
Vegetable Garden pictures,
Q
Comments (26)
Felix, I understand perfectly about how the garden can help soothe you whenever you're in distress or upset. Your garden looks wonderful! I often go out into the garden to either work or just wander when feeling upset and just being surrounded by nature helps me. I first started gardening the year that my sister was in and out of the hospital several times with kidney problems. I started taking care of my parents garden as a way to help them while they were traveling back and forth to Tampa taking care of my sister and as a way to deal with all the stress and worry of the situation. It is wonderful that Sylvia's prognosis keeps looking better. I hope and pray for her full recovery.
...See More
Who is pulling up my garlic cloves
Q
Comments (9)
I live too near the coast for squirrels, but something usualyl rummages around in the 18" containers where I plant my "insurance" crop. I use 2X4 wire and leave it on until after the cloves are well rooted--like LoneJack does. Use rocks and broken brick to weight the covers. Do not seem to have much problem w/garlic raised beds as the walls of the beds is too flimsy for bigger animals to crawl over. I have seen rats exiting my garden, but the worst they do there is plant plugs of grass from seed (looks like wheat or barley) stolen from the horses next door. They are stuck into the sides of the bed in a bunch where they do not bother the garlic, but of course I remove them.
...See More
Garlic Help: Not Bulbing
Q
Comments (2)
For hot climate, you'll need special kind of garlic. Most of the cold weather garlic won't grow well. There are only few kinds, like Spanish Roja, are good in the warm south. Garlic is a cool weather crop.
...See More
makalu_gw
18 years ago
Based on your zone, try to stick with the softneck garlics rather than the hardnecks such as Spanish Roja. For spicier varities, maybe try out the Creole types. Hopefully someone a bunch closer to your zone can help out on the planting time and winter care.
aprilallyear
18 years ago
Hey, leahsurfer! I just moved from Austin. Are you in Sunshine Gardens? I am just guessing, since you are in Central Texas, a college student, and a community garden member!

I know there are several plots in which you will see garlic well on its way in Sunshine Gardens (or whatever community garden you are in). I recommend walking around, looking at the other plots, and being sure to go in the eves/weekend morns when the other gardeners are there so you can ask questions. Also, go to member meetings and ask a little; if you don't ask the right person the first time, chances are you will be referred to another member "expert" right there at the same meeting.

Good luck!
April (north of Dallas, now)

Related Stories

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Garlic

By Marianne Lipanovich

Beloved in a wide range of dishes the world over, garlic thrives in a fall garden and is easy to grow

EDIBLE GARDENS Why Grow Quince? For Beauty, Fragrance and Old-Time Flavor

By Marianne Lipanovich

Delightfully perfumed fruit and lovely spring blossoms make this apple and pear cousin worth a spot in the garden

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners

By Marianne Lipanovich

Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

HERBS Herb Garden Essentials: How to Grow Chives

By Marianne Lipanovich

This decorative and delicately flavored herb from the onion family is easy to grow indoors and out

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

LIFE World of Design: Discoveries of 10 First-Time Homeowners

See how people around the globe have shaped their starter houses and made them their own

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Eclectic Repurposing Fits First-Time Homeowners in Utah

DIY projects using reclaimed materials add rustic style to an open-layout Salt Lake City home

SUMMER GARDENING How to Grow Basil

By Marianne Lipanovich

Bright color, quick growth and endless uses for cooking make this summer annual a winner in the garden or a pot

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

Sponsored

Fourteen Thirty Renovation, LLC

23 Reviews

Professional Remodelers in Franklin County Specializing Kitchen & Bath

More Discussions

Walking Onions Pollination

0

comfrey tea overwintered

1