Maegan-Leigh JacobsWith the cold months settling in, there’s no better time to plant garlic. Not only does it thrive in the chilly South African winters, but it’s also a must-have ingredient in any kitchen.
Whether you have a garden bed or just a few pots on your balcony, growing your own garlic is easier than you think!
Choosing the right garlic
Garlic comes in two main types: hard-neck and soft-neck. Hardneck garlic has a bold flavour and grows best in very cold areas, producing edible flower stalks called scapes. Softneck garlic, on the other hand, is more common, stores well, and grows well in a variety of climates.
For South African gardens, popular softneck varieties include Egyptian Pink Garlic, known for its strong taste and long storage life, and Egyptian White Garlic, which has a milder flavour but is just as versatile in the kitchen.
Where to get garlic to plant
A common mistake is planting store-bought garlic, which is often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, source your garlic from a trusted supplier or nursery to ensure it’s disease-free and ready for planting.
When to plant garlic
Timing is everything. If you live in the Western Cape, planting season runs until May, while those in central and eastern regions should plant between February and March. Garlic loves the shorter days and cooler temperatures of winter, making this the perfect time to get started.
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Read more: Benefits of eating garlic on an empty stomach
Preparing your soil
Garlic isn’t fussy, but it does best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Before planting, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to give the cloves a nutrient boost. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds to improve drainage.
Planting your garlic
Break apart the bulb: Gently separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping their papery skins intact.
Choose the best cloves: Bigger cloves make bigger bulbs, so select the healthiest ones for planting.
Plant with the pointed side up: Dig holes about 3-5 cm deep and space cloves 8-12 cm apart in rows 20-30 cm apart.
Cover and water: Gently cover with soil, firm it down slightly, and give it a good watering.
TIP: What if your garlic has sprouted?
No worries! Sprouted garlic can still be planted the same way, and it will continue to grow just fine.
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Growing garlic in pots
Short on space? Garlic does well in containers too! Choose a pot at least 30 cm deep with good drainage. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix, plant the cloves as you would in a garden bed, and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy).
Taking Care of Your Garlic
- Watering: Garlic needs about 25mm of water per week, especially during dry spells.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to ensure your garlic gets all the nutrients it needs.
- Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer can help, but a simple soil test will tell you what your garlic needs.
By late spring or early summer, when the leaves begin to turn yellow, your garlic is ready to harvest! Gently dig up the bulbs, let them dry in a cool, airy spot for a couple of weeks, and then store them in a dry place.
Growing your own garlic is a rewarding experience, and with a little patience, you’ll have fresh, homegrown bulbs ready for cooking in no time!
ALSO SEE: Can you grow garlic from store-bought cloves?
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