When to plant garlic in a greenhouse? Step-by-step growing guide
Did you know that growing garlic is usually very easy? Not everyone has it in their garden, but you can take advantage of certain seasons and grow it yourself. This allows you to benefit from its culinary uses and all the medicinal properties of the plant. It also works well with other crops because it acts as a natural repellent.
In fact, you can plant garlic in a protected space and control the conditions. There are several structures that are ideal for this, such as the tunnel greenhouse, the straight-walls tunnel greenhouse, the mini tunnel greenhouse or the mini wide span greenhouse. All of them are perfect for growing healthy garlic.
Throughout this article, you will learn more about the subject. First, you will learn how to grow garlic, including step-by-step instructions and essential care tips. Once you have a clear understanding of this, you can choose a good structure and begin the process.
- What are garlic cloves?
- When to plant garlic in a greenhouse?
- How to grow garlic step by step?
- What climate is most suitable for growing garlic?
- Care required for growing garlic
- How to tie garlic correctly?
- When is garlic harvested?
- Why plant garlic in a greenhouse?
What are garlic cloves?
Garlic comes from a type of bulbous plant that belongs to the same family as onions and leeks. The edible part is the bulb, which is made up of several cloves covered by a dry layer.
It is widely used in cooking, as it has an intense flavour that enhances various recipes around the world. It also has medicinal properties, particularly because it acts as a natural antibiotic.
When to plant garlic in a greenhouse?
Garlic cultivation depends on the region where it is grown, although greenhouse conditions can be controlled to a greater extent. Planting usually takes place in autumn, between October and December, when temperatures are cool.
They can also be planted in late winter if the climate is colder. But remember that under a greenhouse, you can control temperatures, humidity, and lighting. This allows you to plant outside of the usual season.
How to grow garlic step by step?
To grow garlic successfully, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the soil by turning it over and removing any debris from previous crops.
Step 2: Now divide the garlic heads and select the largest and healthiest cloves for planting.
Step 3: Place each clove with the tip facing upwards. Bury them about 3 or 4 cm deep, leaving 10 cm between plants.
Step 4: Try to keep the soil slightly moist. But avoid overwatering, as this could cause rot.
Step 5: Remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. This should always be done as they grow.
Step 6: Cut off any flowers that appear so that the bulb can develop better.
What climate is most suitable for growing garlic?
Garlic grows best in temperate, dry climates. Here are some things to consider:
- It tolerates cold weather, but prefers temperatures between 12 °C and 25 °C.
- It does not tolerate severe frosts well.
- Greenhouses are very useful because they protect the entire crop during the colder months.
Care required for growing garlic
Growing garlic requires several steps to ensure a bountiful harvest. Here we explain the main ones.
Watering garlic
Watering should always be moderate. This must be carefully monitored during the early stages of growth. When the bulb begins to swell, watering should be reduced to prevent it from rotting.
Cutting the garlic flower
It is advisable to remove the garlic flower as soon as it appears. This allows the plant to concentrate its energy on the bulb, producing larger, tastier cloves.
Garlic harvest
It is also important to know when to harvest, which is between four and six months after planting. At that point, the leaves begin to dry out. But remember to pull the bulbs out carefully, clean them, and let them dry in the air for a while.
Preparing the soil for growing garlic
The soil should be loose, deep and well-drained. It is advisable to enrich it with compost or organic matter before planting, and to avoid areas where other alliaceous plants have previously been grown.
How to tie garlic correctly?
Tying garlic is a very traditional practice. It involves folding the leaves when the plant has reached maturity, but before it is completely dry. Just make sure you don't damage the stem in the process.
This stops the growth of the leaves and allows the plant to direct all its energy to the bulb that we hope to harvest. Ultimately, this will improve the flavour and size.
When is garlic harvested?
Garlic is harvested when the lower leaves are dry and the upper leaves are still green. This indicates that the bulb is fully formed.
Harvesting usually takes place between May and July. It all depends on when the garlic was planted and the type you have chosen. Once harvested, it must be dried thoroughly before storage.
Why plant garlic in a greenhouse?
Planting garlic in greenhouses is ideal because it can be very easy, as they are more controlled spaces that allow you to balance conditions. However, you must choose the right ones for your needs and of sufficient quality to last a long time.
In this regard, FERTRI structures are the most recommended. We have several models, the tunnel greenhouse, straight-walls tunnel greenhouse, mini tunnel greenhouse and the mini wide span greenhouse. Inside, you can organise a successful cultivation and harvest of garlic in all its varieties.
Considers that:
- They are greenhouses made with high-quality materials.
- They help you control the conditions that plants need to grow.
- You can organise many types of crops out of season.
- They adapt to different spaces.
We suggest you explore each model and contact us if you have any questions. We will be delighted to help you and get you started as soon as possible.
