Introduction:
Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinctive flavor, has been cherished for centuries as a culinary staple and a natural remedy. If you reside in USDA hardiness zone 7, you’re in luck! This zone offers favorable conditions for growing garlic, allowing you to cultivate your own delectable bulbs right in your backyard. In this article, we will explore the essentials of growing garlic in zone 7, from selecting the right varieties to nurturing the crop until harvest.
Choosing the Right Varieties:
When it comes to garlic, there are two main types to consider: softneck and hardneck. Softneck varieties are known for their long shelf life, easy braiding capabilities, and adaptability to a wide range of climates, including zone 7. Hardneck varieties, on the other hand, offer larger cloves and a more robust flavor but have a shorter shelf life. In zone 7, both types can thrive, but hardneck varieties are often recommended for their ability to withstand colder temperatures.
Here are examples of a hardneck and softneck garlic cultivar, as well as a guide on saving seed garlic for planting in the following year:
- Hardneck Variety: ‘German Extra Hardy’
- Characteristics: German Extra Hardy is a popular hardneck cultivar known for its strong, robust flavor. It produces large cloves with a rich, earthy taste. This variety is well-suited to colder climates, making it an excellent choice for zone 7 gardens.
- Softneck Variety: ‘Inchelium Red’
- Characteristics: Inchelium Red is a flavorful softneck variety with a slightly milder taste compared to hardneck garlic. It offers excellent storage capabilities, making it a preferred choice for braiding. This cultivar adapts well to a wide range of climates, including zone 7.
Preparation and Planting:
Garlic thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. In zone 7, where summers can be hot and dry, it is crucial to ensure that the garlic bed has adequate moisture retention. Begin by preparing the planting area in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost. Select a sunny location and enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve its water-holding capacity. Break up any clumps and remove debris, ensuring a loose and fertile bed for your garlic.
Separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, ensuring that each clove has its protective papery skin intact. Plant the cloves with the pointed end facing up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Space rows about 12 inches apart to provide ample room for growth. Mulching the bed with straw or chopped leaves will help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth, which is especially important in zone 7’s hot and dry summers.
Caring for Your Garlic:
Growing garlic in zone 7 requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. While zone 7 experiences hot summers, it is essential not to overwater, as garlic bulbs are susceptible to rot in soggy soil. Water deeply once a week, adjusting frequency based on rainfall and soil moisture levels. Be cautious not to overwater during the dormant period in winter, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb deterioration.
Garlic plants in zone 7 can benefit from shade during the hottest part of the day. Consider planting taller crops nearby to provide some relief from intense sunlight, or use shade cloth to protect the garlic bed from excessive heat.
Managing Pests and Diseases:
While garlic is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, some issues may arise in zone 7. Common pests include aphids, thrips, and nematodes. Monitor your garlic regularly, and if you notice any signs of infestation, consider using organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
In zone 7, fungal diseases such as white rot and downy mildew can be a concern, especially in the humid conditions of late spring and early summer. To minimize the risk, practice proper crop rotation, ensuring that garlic is not planted in the same area for consecutive years. Provide adequate spacing between plants to promote air circulation and reduce moisture on the foliage. If necessary, apply organic fungicides following the product instructions.
Understanding Row Covers: Row covers are lightweight, permeable fabrics that can be draped over rows of plants to create a protective barrier. They allow sunlight, air, and water to reach the plants while shielding them from pests, harsh weather, and excessive heat. Row covers act as a physical barrier, preventing pests from directly accessing your garlic crop and reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Pest Control Benefits of Row Covers:
- Insect Exclusion: Row covers effectively protect garlic plants from common pests such as aphids, thrips, and onion maggots. These pests cannot penetrate the physical barrier, reducing the risk of infestation and subsequent damage to your crop.
- Disease Prevention: Row covers also provide a shield against fungal diseases like white rot and downy mildew, which can thrive in the humid conditions of zone 7. By preventing moisture accumulation on the foliage, row covers help minimize the risk of disease development and spread.
Tips for Using Row Covers in Zone 7 Garlic Cultivation:
- Timing: Install row covers immediately after planting your garlic cloves. This ensures that the covers are in place before pests become active. Secure the covers firmly to prevent pests from finding entry points.
- Selecting the Right Cover: Choose row covers with appropriate permeability to allow air, sunlight, and water to reach the plants. Lightweight fabrics with a mesh-like structure, such as floating row covers, are ideal for garlic cultivation.
- Temperature Considerations: Row covers also provide a degree of frost protection in cooler regions of zone 7. They act as a blanket, trapping heat and creating a slightly warmer microclimate around the plants. However, ensure that the covers are adequately ventilated during warmer periods to prevent overheating.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly inspect your garlic crop by lifting the row covers to check for any signs of pest or disease activity. Address any issues promptly. Additionally, adjust and secure the covers as the plants grow to accommodate their increasing height and prevent the covers from resting on the foliage.
- Pollination and Harvesting: If you’re growing hardneck garlic, which produces scapes, temporarily remove the row covers during the scape formation period to allow pollination by bees and other beneficial insects. Similarly, uncover the plants during the harvesting period to ensure proper bulb development.
Harvesting and Storage:
In zone 7, garlic is typically ready for harvest in mid- to late-summer, around 8-10 months after planting.
Harvesting time can be determined by monitoring the lower leaves, which will begin to turn yellow and dry out. Gently dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Allow the garlic bulbs to cure in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for two to three weeks.
After curing, trim the roots and foliage, leaving about an inch attached to the bulb. Store your garlic in a cool, dark place with good airflow, such as a mesh bag or a well-ventilated container. When stored properly, garlic can last for several months, providing you with a fresh supply until the next harvest.
This article belong to pineyriverhomestead.com. Published 6-2-23
Saving Seed Garlic for Planting:
- Selecting the Bulbs: When harvesting garlic, choose the best-quality bulbs with large, healthy cloves. Avoid using bulbs that show signs of disease or damage. Set aside these chosen bulbs for saving as seed garlic.
- Preparing the Bulbs: After curing, carefully separate the cloves from the bulbs. Leave the outermost papery skin intact on each clove to protect it during storage and planting.
- Storing Seed Garlic: Store the seed garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. You can place them in mesh bags or hang them in bundles. Ensure proper airflow to prevent mold or rot. Aim for a temperature range of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius) and a humidity level of 60-70%.
- Timing: In zone 7, garlic is typically planted in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost. Plan to save your seed garlic during the previous harvest so that it’s ready for planting in the following autumn.
- Replanting: When it’s time to plant the saved seed garlic, choose the largest cloves from your stored bulbs. These cloves will produce larger bulbs in the next growing season. Plant the cloves following the same guidelines mentioned earlier for preparation and planting.
Remember to label and store your saved seed garlic properly, ensuring that you know the variety and planting time. This way, you can maintain the desired characteristics of the cultivar and ensure a successful garlic harvest year after year.
By selecting suitable varieties, mastering the art of saving seed garlic, and nurturing your garlic plants, you can enjoy a continuous supply of flavorful bulbs from your zone 7 garden.
Conclusion:
With its numerous culinary uses and health benefits, growing garlic in zone 7 is a rewarding endeavor. By selecting the right varieties, preparing the soil, and providing adequate care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful garlic bulbs. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, cultivating garlic in zone 7 will not only enhance your cooking but also offer a satisfying gardening experience.