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How We Grow Our Garlic

Begining of the season starts the first week in October.  We separate the cloves from the bulb, the covering on the clove can stay on. 

We soak the cloves in isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) for fifteen minutes.  This kills any fungus or bacteria that might affect the plant.

Then we soak the cloves for thirty minutes in a fish emulsion. 

Cloves are planted at least six inches apart, one to two inches deep.

We leave enough space between rows to run a rototiller through maintaining at least three inches away from the base of the plant.

Cover the plants with three to four inchs of straw to prevent frost damage.

In the spring, after the last frost, remove the straw.  Be careful not to damage the plants.  We have experienced damaged leaves from using pitchforks and accidentally stepping on the plant.  

We fertilize with Alaskan Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.  Every week or two.

Weed, weed, then weed some more.  Until the scapes form, about mid June.  While they are still in a pig tail shape, clip them at the top leaf and enjoy!  Then go back to weeding.

First week in July is the time to harvest.  The bottom leaf should be turning brown. it is better to harvest a little early than late.  

Bundle the garlic in groups of ten then hang in a sheltered area with lots of airflow.  We use large fans and open the barn doors daily to remove humidity.  

After three to four weeks the garlic should be cured.  It is time to clip the top stem then trim the roots.

Some things to know:

1.  Garlic cannot be planted in the same spot over and over it should be moved each year for at least three years, we recomend three spots so they can be rotated.

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2.  Garlic does not like lots of water.

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3.  Do not work up the soil around the stem.  We have nicked the plants and caused damage.

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