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Want to grow elephant garlic?
It’s easier than you think!
With a few simple techniques, you can grow big and flavorful bulbs. Discover 8 effective tactics to help your elephant garlic thrive.
Ready to get growing?
Let’s jump in!
Choose the Right Location
First things first, pick a sunny spot! Elephant garlic loves basking in the sun.
Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Make sure the soil is well-drained.
Waterlogged soil can rot the bulbs. A raised bed or container can work wonders if your garden tends to get soggy.
Perfect Your Soil
Getting your soil just right is key. Elephant garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Test your soil, and if it’s too acidic, add some lime to balance it out.
Planting Time!
When you’re ready to plant, break the bulb into individual cloves. Plant each clove about 6 inches apart, with the pointy end facing up.
Plant them about 4-6 inches deep to protect them from frost. Fall is the ideal time to plant, so the cloves establish roots before winter.
Keep the Weeds Away
Weeds can be a real problem, competing for nutrients and water. Mulch your garden bed with straw or grass clippings to keep those pesky weeds at bay.
If you see any weeds popping up, pull them out promptly. Your garlic will thank you!
Water Wisely
Elephant garlic needs consistent moisture but hates being waterlogged. Water deeply every week if it doesn’t rain.
Reduce watering as the garlic matures, especially as you approach harvest time. Overwatering can lead to rot, so keep an eye on the soil moisture.
Feed Your Garlic
Feeding your garlic can give it the extra boost it needs. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, then feed it again mid-season.
High-nitrogen fertilizers work great, but organic options like fish emulsion or blood meal work well too. Just don’t overdo it; too much fertilizer can harm more than help.
Harvesting Time
Your elephant garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves start turning yellow and die back. Loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork and gently lift them out.
Let the bulbs dry in a cool, airy spot for a few weeks. Once dried, trim the roots and leaves.
Store It Right
After curing, store your elephant garlic in a cool, dark place. A mesh bag or a basket works well to allow air circulation.
Keep them away from moisture to prevent mold. Stored properly, elephant garlic can last for up to a year.
Enjoy your homegrown bounty!