Master Winter Garlic Planting for a Bountiful Summer Harvest
Garlic planting season is underway, with timelines varying across regions. Winter garlic, a staple in German cuisine, requires careful preparation and planting for a successful harvest.
In central Germany, the ideal planting period for Wintergarlic is from mid-March to mid-April, when soil temperatures range between +8-10°C. Before planting, soak cloves in a manganese or salt solution for 20-30 minutes to protect against diseases.
Plant cloves 5-8 cm deep, with a spacing of 10-12 cm between them and 20-25 cm between rows. Choose large, healthy cloves from the outer layer of the bulb for planting. After planting, mulch with straw, leaves, or peat (5-7 cm) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Remove garlic shoots when they reach 10-15 cm in spring. Gradually remove the mulch, loosen the soil, and water once a week. In May, fertilize with nitrogen and complex fertilizers. Winter garlic should be planted 2-3 weeks before the first frost to ensure proper vernalization.
Timing is crucial for Wintergarlic planting, with variations across regions. From September to November, prepare the planting bed with compost, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate, and treat it with copper sulfate or hot water with gold. By following these guidelines, gardeners can expect a bountiful harvest of fresh garlic next summer.
