Today is a very exciting day because we are going to be planting our garlic. Garlic is a fascinating plant, especially here in Florida, where warm weather prevails. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the specifics of growing garlic in warm climates, addressing challenges and providing a step-by-step guide to ensure a perfect garlic harvest.
Choosing the Right Garlic Varieties
Garlic typically requires cold weather to bulb, and warm climates like Florida pose a unique challenge. There are two main types of garlic: hard neck and soft neck. For warm climates, soft neck varieties are recommended. I’ve chosen Susanville, Laura’s Italian, and Inchelium Red varieties for my garden.
Vernalization Process
Garlic needs a cold period to stimulate bulb growth. In regions without natural cold weather, like Florida, we use a process called vernalization. This involves placing the garlic bulbs in the refrigerator for a minimum of six weeks, mimicking a winter period. I prefer 12 weeks for a more thorough vernalization.
Planting in the Right Season
In warm climates, planting garlic should coincide with a cold front. The transition from the fridge to the outdoors needs to be gradual. Look for a time between October and January when temperatures are colder at night than usual. I recommend planting when a frost or freeze is forecasted for optimal results.
Planting Process
Preparing the soil is crucial. I start by raking back the mulch to clearly see where I’ll be planting. Apply an all purpose fertilizer across the whole bed or in the planting holes for the garlic. Soft neck garlic can be planted as close as four inches apart. I use a diamond pattern to make the most of the space. Planting depth is essential – about four to five inches down, ensuring the pointy side is facing up.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining healthy soil is vital for garlic. I emphasize organic methods, incorporating compost for fertility. Monitoring the plant’s health is crucial, and if needed, I may resort to organic fertilizers like Neptune Harvest fish fertilizer. Patience is key, and over-fertilization can lead to issues like ‘brooming’, where the cloves split and begin sprouting too early.
Congratulations! We’ve successfully planted our garlic in warm weather, addressing the unique challenges of growing this versatile plant in Florida. Now, it’s time to patiently nurture our garlic crop, ensuring it receives the care it needs for a bountiful harvest. Stay tuned for future updates on the garlic’s growth journey in my garden.
