At a Glance

Garlic , aculinary staplewith a distinct aroma and flavor , is a rewarding craw to grow inAustralian gardens . Planting garlic at the correct time and followingproper technique ensuresa bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable . This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you take to successfully constitute Allium sativum in Australia .

Choosing the Right Variety

take the rightgarlic varietyis crucial for success . Somepopular varieties suitedfor Australian clime include :

Preparing the Soil

Garlic thrives in well - drained , fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . remedy the stain with compost or manure to improve its social organization and richness . Avoid planting garlic in sphere that have been recently fertilized with nitrogen - plenteous plant food , as this canpromote overweening leafage growthat the disbursal of bulb development .

Timing

Theideal timetoplant garlicinAustralia varies dependingon your region . In general , plant garlic from recent February to former May in temperate climates and from late March to early June in subtropical climates .

Planting Depth and Spacing

plant life garlic cloves 2 - 3inches deep , with thepointed end facingup . Space the Syzygium aromaticum 6 - 8 in apart in rows that are 12 - 18 inches apart .

Mulching

After planting , cover the bed with athick layerof mulch , such as drinking straw , hay , or compost . Mulch helps hold back wet , suppresses weeds , and order grease temperature .

Watering

Garlic requires moderate lacrimation throughout thegrowing season . piddle profoundly and on a regular basis , especially duringdry spell . fend off overwatering , as this can lead to rootage rot .

Fertilizing

Fertilize ail once or double during the growing time of year with abalanced plant food . head off using nitrogen - fat fertilizers , as they can raise excessive foliage development .

Harvesting

Garlic is generally quick to reap inlate springorearly summertime , when the tops haveturned brownand the leaves have jump to die out back . Dig up the bulbs carefully using a garden fork or spade .

Curing and Storing

After harvesting , cure thegarlic bulbsby hang them in a nerveless , ironical , and well - give vent placefor 2 - 4 workweek . Once cure , store the ail in a cool , dark blank space withgood air travel circulation . decently lay in ail can last for several months .

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Questions We Hear a Lot

1 . Can Iplant garlicfrom supermarket cloves?Yes , but it may not produce as large or as many incandescent lamp as garlic clove from seed garlic.2 . How long does it take to acquire garlic?From plant to harvest , garlic typically takes4 - 6 months to mature.3 . Can Igrow garlicin pots?Yes , but you will need alarge potwith well - debilitate grease . Provide batch of sunlight and water regularly.4 . How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest?When the tops haveturned brownand the folio have start out to die back.5 . Can I eat garlic greens?Yes , garlic greensare eatable and can be used in salads , soup , and stir - fries.6 . How long can I store garlic?Properly cured andstored garliccan last for several months.7 . What are thehealth benefitsof garlic?Garlic is known for its antiviral , antibacterial , andantioxidant properties . It has been link up to reducing the risk of infection ofheart disease , Crab , and other inveterate malady .