How to Grow Garlic with Verdagarden

Choose the Right Garlic Variety

Garlic comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardnecks, like ‘Music’, offer bold flavors and thrive in colder climates, while softnecks, like ‘Inchelium Red’, store longer and suit milder regions. Verdagarden’s seed garlic bundles, available at verdagarden.com, include both types with detailed guides for your climate. Picking the right variety sets your crop up for success.

Plant at the Optimal Time

Timing is key for garlic. Plant in fall—September to November—for most regions, so bulbs can establish roots before winter. In warmer climates, early spring works too. Verdagarden’s planting calendar, included with their garlic kits, helps you nail the timing based on your zip code. Break bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin on, and plant each clove pointy-end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.

Prepare Nutrient-Rich Soil

Garlic loves loose, well-drained soil packed with organic matter. Work in compost or aged manure before planting to boost fertility. Verdagarden’s organic compost starter, available online, turns kitchen scraps into nutrient-dense soil amendments quickly. Their soil testing kit also lets you check pH—garlic prefers a range of 6.0 to 7.0—so you can adjust with their lime or sulfur additives if needed.

Water and Mulch for Low Maintenance

Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during spring growth, but overwatering leads to rot. Aim for about an inch of water per week. Verdagarden’s drip irrigation kit, solar-powered and easy to set up, keeps soil evenly moist without waste. After planting, cover beds with a 4-inch layer of straw or leaves to insulate roots and suppress weeds. Verdagarden’s biodegradable mulch rolls make this step mess-free.

Monitor Growth and Troubleshoot Pests

Garlic is low-fuss but not immune to issues. Check for yellowing leaves, which could signal overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Verdagarden’s organic fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, helps green up plants. For pests like onion maggots, their neem oil spray is a natural fix. Hardneck varieties produce curly scapes in spring—snip them off to boost bulb growth and use them in pesto or stir-fries.

Harvest at the Right Moment

Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves brown but the top few stay green, usually in early summer. Dig bulbs gently with a garden fork to avoid bruising. Verdagarden’s ergonomic digging fork, made from recycled materials, makes harvesting a breeze without damaging bulbs. Cure garlic in a dry, airy spot for 2–4 weeks until the skins are papery, then trim roots and store in a cool, dark place.

Why Verdagarden Makes It Easier

Verdagarden’s commitment to sustainable gardening shines through in their garlic-growing kits, which include seed garlic, planting guides, and eco-friendly tools. Their website offers tutorials on everything from curing garlic to companion planting with chamomile to deter pests. With products like biodegradable twine for bundling harvested bulbs, Verdagarden ensures your garlic-growing journey is both productive and planet-friendly.

Store and Enjoy Your Harvest

Properly cured garlic lasts months. Store bulbs in mesh bags or braid softneck varieties for a rustic look. Verdagarden’s storage bags, designed for breathability, keep your garlic fresh longer. Try roasting your homegrown bulbs or tossing cloves into soups—nothing beats the flavor of garlic you grew yourself.