Previously in this Krostrade blog, you have learned about garlic in the polytunnel. Now, when to plant garlic in the UK for profit will be the main point of discussion in our segment today.
Garlic has its solid place among crops commonly grown in the United Kingdom. Recently there have been moves towards organic farming to sustain profits. For many individuals, the question to make their private small veg and fruit garden become a reality and success. By heading the following simple steps, you can grow your perfect garlic.
Garlic is a common crop, and you can see this in your mom’s kitchen often. One can characterise this vegetable by its bulb structure, and it also includes leeks, scallions, and chives. Each bulb consists of tinier pieces known as cloves. The health benefits are varied, despite its pungent smell. These include:
- Can combat the common cold
- Can reduce the person’s blood pressure
- Enhances cholesterol levels
- It contains antioxidants that fight dementia
- May help the person live longer
- Improves athletic performance
- Enhance bone health
- A great pairing to your diet
What Is The Best Month To Plant Garlic?
Autumn or during the autumn season — these are the best months to plant the crop and get the best products when you ask about “When to plant garlic in the UK?” Especially in the country where the climate meets the geography in such a fantastic blend, planting garlic will never be this thrilling.
It is best to have these planted during the autumn. Why? The cloves of the garlic during this season, especially when set in a sunny location, will provide the richest and most well-drained soil you can ever have. Remember, you must be able to set the cloves right on the root side downward to six inches apart in rows up to two inches apart.
Then, you can cover these with up to two inches of your most delicate soil. When you are in the north, you can place down six inches of the mulch for protecting this toward the winter. However, gardeners and farmers tell you that you can also start growing the garlic in the last weeks of the autumn or early in the spring season.
When Can You Start Planting In the UK?
We can get very specific now and have it that the date to start planting in the UK must be April 15th. Likewise, temperatures at night must also be at more than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to grow well. Plus, the soil temperatures must be over 60 degrees Fahrenheit to begin planting the florals’ hardier veggies and yearly transplant.
However, schools of thought say planting garlic in the UK must also happen early to mid in October. One may plant the crop early during the spring season, but this does not produce the large-sized bulbs, compared with planting them during the autumn.
Should I Soak Garlic Before Planting?
When it comes to knowing when to plant garlic in the UK, a question that falls to mind is: “Should I soak garlic before planting?” This is a question commonly asked among farmers and gardeners, and the answer is yes, you should.
Despite the unpleasant odour of garlic, it is a special ingredient in pasta, sauces, and other dishes. Soaking the garlic will prevent fungal infections, thus promoting the crop’s healthier growth.
Many would say that soaking the garlic in a water solution will give it the “vaccination” against fungi that may cause diseases, affecting satisfactory growth. These may also include baking soda and organic fish fertiliser.
Aside from managing their pungent smell, this process also provides the garlic with the energy boost to get started with growing. After soaking, you must be able to bathe the garlic within hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Having this will have the garlic sterilised, killing mites that could be hiding in the stash.
To do this, what you need are a gallon of lukewarm water, a tablespoon of organic fish fertiliser, and a tablespoon of your baking soda.
How Long Does It Take To Grow A Garlic
How long does it take to grow your garlic? It reaches nine months.
Once you have fulfilled the season requirements and have the perfect environment for growing the garlic, you can see how the clove begins to split up into multiple cloves with characteristics similar to the parent garlic.
There are various durations when the garlic’s maturity happens, but they should be ready by May or June from your October and November plantings. The garlic will have its tops dried and fallen over once it is ready for harvesting. Not only this, but the plants will have been lifted from the ground with the gardening fork, likewise, so it does not damage the bulb’s wrappings.
Polytunelss With Krostrade.co.uk
Cultivating these crops with polytunnels makes the difference. When to plant garlic in the UK for profit will be among the considerations; the other will be the area where the garlic will be cultivated. With the vast array of Krostrade’s products, you can find what’s best for your gardening requirements.