How to Leave Garlic Bulbs in the Ground Over Winter
Once believed to hold magical powers capable of warding off evil spirits and vampires, garlic has been cultivated since ancient times. According to the University of Illinois, during medieval times, garlic was eaten as a vegetable. Today, garlic provides flavoring for meats, vegetables and savory stews and sauces. This hardy bulb can be grown in the home garden across the U.S., and thrives when allowed to overwinter in the garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cultivate the soil to a depth of 8 inches with a garden tiller or garden spade. Remove roots, stones and other debris from the soil.
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Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the top of the soil. Work the organic matter into the top 4 to 6 inches of the soil. This improves aeration and promotes drainage. Organic matter also provides slow-release nutrients to the soil.
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Add 3 lbs. of balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (10-10-10) fertilizer per 100 square feet. Work this into the existing soil to provide garlic bulbs with the nutrients needed to form strong roots.
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Plant individual garlic cloves in late fall, approximately one month before the ground freezes. The Virginia Cooperative Extension explains that planting garlic too early may result in tender shoots not capable of withstanding winter weather and planting to it late may not give roots long enough to form before freezing. Position bulbs to a depth of 1 to 2 inches so the pointed end faces upward with the blunt end down.
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Cover with soil and firm down with your hands. This removes air pockets and secures the bulb in place. Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Water again when the soil dries 2 inches below the surface.
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Mulch with 2 to 4 inches of straw to protect the bulbs from winter damage. Remove mulch in the spring when new growth appears.
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- Photo Credit garlic image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
