Growing Garlic: From Planting in November to March Harvest

Garlic is a popular crop known for its remarkable growth journey. After planting garlic cloves in November, you may observe the garlic bulbs partially above ground by March. Is this normal? Let's delve deeper into the growth cycle of garlic and uncover the best practices for ensuring a healthy harvest.

Sprouting and the Growth Cycle

The green shoots that you see emerging in March are a natural part of the garlic growth cycle. These green shoots, or garlic scapes, signify that the plant is thriving. Garlic generally enters a dormant phase during the winter but begins to grow as temperatures warm up in early spring. This is a sign that your garlic is on track for a healthy growth cycle.

Bulb Exposure and Care

While it is not typically concerning for garlic bulbs to partially emerge above ground, it is essential to ensure that they remain mostly covered with soil. Exposure to direct sunlight and air can cause the garlic cloves to dry out and potentially harm their development. If the bulbs are too exposed, gently cover them with soil to enhance their growth.

Optimizing Watering and Sunlight

Maintaining proper moisture is crucial for garlic. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Garlic requires consistent moisture during its growing period to ensure robust growth. Additionally, garlic thrives in full sunlight. Ensure that the area where you've planted your garlic receives adequate sunlight to promote healthy leaf growth and bulb development.

Tips for a Successful Harvest

You may have observed that your garlic bulbs are now partially above ground, signaling the plant's desire to grow. To encourage optimal growth, gently push the emerging bulbs back into the soil so that the neck of the bulb is just above the soil level. This will give the garlic cloves more space to grow and mature, leading to a bountiful harvest in July or even later.

Planting Timing and Conditions

While you can plant bulbs at any time, they won't sprout until conditions are right for growing. Other plants like daffodils, which are regularly planted in the fall, won't sprout until April or later. This timing highlights the natural growth cycle of garlic. If you planted cloves rather than bulbs, each clove will grow into a bulb over time.

Post-Harvest Uses and Storage

At harvest time, the bulb may be half-exposed or still partially under the soil. The soil line on harvested garlic often indicates the extent of exposure during growth. Proper storage and use of garlic can extend its usability beyond just a single growing season. By whizzing the bulbs in a food processor to a coarse grind and storing the mixture in a jar with extra virgin olive oil (evoo), you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown garlic for a year-round addition to your cooking. Homemade preparations are often superior to commercially preserved products.