Garlic
Garlic
August 29, 2024
Introduction
Growing garlic in the city is a fun activity for the whole family, or roommates. It’s planted in the fall, grows all winter (you barely have to do anything) and is harvested in the summer. Talk about delayed gratification. You can squeeze in a few seed garlic on you tiny balcony and you’ll have bulbs you can share with your friends. I’m here to show you how.
The What
Garlic is a hardy plant with a strong, pungent flavor that enhances many savory dishes. It’s rich in manganese (a mineral important for bone health) and vitamins B6 and C, and has natural antibiotic properties. Easy to grow from individual cloves, garlic needs minimal space and helps improve soil health by adding nutrients. When allowed to flower, it attracts beneficial insects called pollinators. For NYC urban gardeners, garlic is a practical choice since it can be planted in the fall and harvested in the summer.
The Why
Growing garlic in NYC is a smart move because it can be planted in October or November and harvested in June or July, making use of your garden space over winter. Garlic requires minimal space, making it perfect for balconies, rooftops, and terraces. It acts as a natural pest repellent, meaning it helps keep harmful insects away, and it stores well for months. You can also intercrop, or grow it alongside, other plants like arugula, lettuce, and strawberries, maximizing your garden’s productivity.
Sunlight Requirements
Garlic requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in pots or garden beds.
Water Requirements
Keep soil consistently moist, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. During the winter, water less. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Temperature Tolerance
Garlic is a cool weather crop and enjoys 32-75°F, ideally 40-50°F. Plant outdoors in October-November in NYC zone 7b. Cold period is essential for proper bulb formation.
Container Size
Indoors: Not ideal; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 10-12" deep, 3-5 gallons
Best Soil Mix
Garlic prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich mix with organic compost and/or well-rotted cow manure. Top with mulch.
How to Add Fertilizer
Use balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: compost, bone meal, blood meal. Higher potassium levels during bulb formation support healthy growth.
Growth Duration
Garlic is ready for harvest 240-270 days after planting, or when the tops turn brown and fall over - typically late June to mid-July in NYC. Once garlic is harvested, that completes its life cycle.
How To Trim
Remove yellowing leaves to maintain plant health. When the garlic scape curls, cut it back to redirect energy toward bulb growth. Garlic scapes are edible and have a mild garlic flavor.
Growing Challenges
Yellow Leaves: Avoid overwatering. Pests (Onion Maggots): Rotate crops. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Diseases (Rust): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.
Interesting Facts
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
