How to grow garlic in Quebec
Growing garlic in Quebec is a rewarding experience. Organic garlic is grown very well in Quebec. La Boite à Grains is an excellent supplier of organic garlic, both for eating and growing. The majority of garlic was sold to La Boite à Grains is local (Outaouais). Here are commonly asked questions and answers about growing it, as well as tips on how to grow it.
When to plant garlic in Quebec?
In Quebec, the ideal time to grow garlic is in the fall, generally in September or October. This allows the garlic to develop roots during the fall and winter, and it will be ready to grow vigorously in the spring.
Garlic likes to endure a period of cold winter weather to develop well. Snow can also act as a natural protective covering for garlic plants.
In the spring, your garlic will begin to grow, and you can harvest it usually in late spring or early summer, when the leaves begin to yellow and dry. Be sure to monitor the garlic's growth and maintain it by weeding and watering as needed.
You can plant in spring too, but fall varieties of garlic, such as hardneck ones, give better results.
What garlic to plant in Quebec?
In Quebec, it is recommended to plant hardneck garlic because of its better adaptation to the region's cold winters. Here are some varieties of hardneck garlic that have been popular and have done well in the province of Quebec:
Variety Music : Music garlic is a variety of hardneck garlic that is very popular in Quebec. It is known for its delicious taste and its resistance to cold. To La Boite à Grains, the majority of the garlic you will find is Music garlic produced by the local company Herbs & Co..
Variety German Red : This variety of hardneck garlic is also well adapted to Quebec winters. It produces large bulbs and has a robust flavor.
Variety Romanian Red : Romanian Red is another variety of hardneck garlic that grows well in Quebec. It has a strong and spicy flavor.
Purple Stripe strain : Purple Stripe garlic varieties are known for their rich and spicy taste. They can also adapt well to the Quebec climate.
Variety Chesnok Red : Chesnok Red is a hardneck garlic variety native to Russia. It is known for its rich and sweet flavor, as well as its ability to withstand cold well.
When choosing a variety of garlic to plant in Quebec, be sure to check its cold hardiness and compatibility with your local climate. It is also important to source quality garlic cloves from reputable local suppliers like La Boite à Grains. It is also important to favor organic garlic.
How to choose garlic seeds?
The choice of garlic seeds is crucial for a good harvest. Here are some tips to help you choose the best garlic seeds:
Opt for varieties adapted to your region: Choose garlic varieties that are well suited to your area's climate and soil conditions. Consult local gardeners or nurseries for recommendations specific to your geographic area.
Choose healthy cloves: Garlic cloves must be healthy, firm and free of mold, stains or disease. Avoid using diseased or damaged garlic cloves, as this can compromise the health of your crop.
Select medium to large sized cloves: Larger cloves tend to produce larger garlic bulbs. Look for medium to large sized cloves for optimal harvest. To La Boite à Grains, you will find, at certain times of the year, garlic specially selected for cultivation.
Favor well-separated cloves: The garlic cloves should be easily separable from each other. Avoid purchasing cloves that are already fused, as this can make separation difficult and damage the cloves.
Buy from trusted sources: Buy your garlic seeds from local growers or trusted suppliers like La Boite à Grains which offers organic non-radiation garlic. Avoid buying garlic from large supermarkets, as it is usually treated to prevent germination. Quebec garlic sold to La Boite à Grains is certified organic and untreated (radiated), which allows it to germinate. To La Boite à Grains, you will also find, at certain times of the year, garlic specially selected for cultivation.
Consider variety and taste: Each variety of garlic tastes slightly different. If you have taste preferences, find out about the taste characteristics of the variety you plan to plant.
By following these tips, you should be able to choose quality garlic seeds for your garden. Once you have obtained your garlic cloves, store them in a cool, dry place until planting to maintain their viability.
La Boite à Grains is proud to offer organic garlic seeds from Quebec of extra large caliber from the company Herbs & Co. (selection may vary from store to store). You can also simply use organic garlic from Quebec sold at La Boite à Grains as seed.
How to prepare the soil for planting garlic?
Preparing the land is an important step for planting garlic. Here are the steps to follow to prepare the soil for planting garlic:
Choose a sunny location: Select a location in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Garlic grows best in sunny soil.
Prepare the soil in the fall: Garlic planting is usually done in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost on the ground. So start preparing the soil in the fall.
Remove weeds: Remove all unwanted weeds and grasses from the planting area. You can use a spade or garden tool to remove them.
Improve soil fertility: Add well-rotted compost or composted manure to the soil to improve its fertility. Garlic prefers soils rich in organic matter.
Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or grelinette to loosen the soil thoroughly, to a depth of around 20 to 30 centimeters. This will allow the garlic roots to grow freely.
Level the ground: After loosening the soil, level it so that you obtain a flat and uniform surface.
Add organic matter: In addition to compost or manure, you can also add organic matter in the form of decomposed leaves or straw to help maintain soil moisture and regulate its temperature.
Make rows or furrows: You can create rows or furrows in the soil, spaced about 30 to 40 centimeters apart, to plant the garlic cloves. Be sure to space rows at least 60 centimeters apart to allow for good air circulation.
Mark the location of the cloves: Use a stick or other marker to indicate where you will plant each garlic clove when the time comes.
Once the soil is prepared in this way, it will be ready for planting garlic in the fall. Follow the instructions specific to your chosen garlic variety for planting depth and clove spacing. After planting, water the cloves well and add a layer of mulch to help maintain soil moisture and protect the garlic plants over winter.
How to Plant Garlic?
The recommended planting distance between garlic cloves depends on several factors, including the variety of garlic, local growing conditions and your growing preferences. However, here is a general rule for spacing garlic cloves when planting:
Between garlic cloves in a row: The usual spacing between garlic cloves in a row is about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches). This allows the garlic bulbs to grow without being too cramped.
Between the rows of garlic: Leave about 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches) of space between each row of garlic. This facilitates air circulation, allows plants to be properly maintained and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Planting depth: Plant the garlic cloves about 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) deep in the soil. The tip of the clove (the pointed side) should be facing upwards.
Spacing depending on variety: Certain varieties of garlic may have specific spacing recommendations. Check the information provided by your garlic clove grower or look for recommendations specific to the variety you're growing.
Clove size: If the garlic cloves you have are particularly large, you can space the cloves a little further apart. If the cloves are smaller, you can plant them closer together.
Keep in mind that garlic clove spacing can influence the size of the bulbs at harvest. Wider spacing generally allows bulbs to grow larger, while closer spacing can result in smaller bulbs. Proper management of planting distance will contribute to a successful garlic harvest.
Should you mulch the soil around garlic plants?
It is recommended to mulch the soil around garlic plants, but it is not required. Mulching has several advantages for growing garlic:
Moisture preservation: Mulch helps maintain uniform moisture in the soil by preventing excessive water evaporation. This is particularly beneficial during dry or hot periods.
Weed control: Mulch creates a physical barrier that limits the growth of weeds by stifling their development. This reduces the need for manual weeding, which can be tedious.
Protection against temperature variations: The mulch acts as an insulating blanket, helping to protect the garlic bulbs from temperature fluctuations. It can keep the soil cooler in summer and protect it from early frosts in autumn.
Floor splash prevention: By preventing soil from splashing onto garlic plants, mulch reduces the risk of disease transmission and moisture-related problems, such as rot.
Improved soil fertility: Over time, the mulch breaks down and adds valuable organic matter to the soil, improving its fertility.
To mulch the soil around garlic plants, you can use a variety of materials, such as straw, flax straw, fallen leaves, compost, or even dried grass clippings. Apply a layer of mulch about 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) thick around the garlic plants, avoiding direct covering of the plant stems. Be sure to leave space around the base of each plant to allow for good air circulation.
Mulch should be applied after planting garlic in the fall. It will help maintain a favorable growing environment throughout the season and promote a successful harvest.
How to water garlic and how often?
Garlic requires adequate irrigation to grow properly, but it is essential not to overwater it, as constantly soggy soil can cause the bulbs to rot. Here are some tips on how to water garlic and the recommended frequency:
Moderate irrigation: Garlic prefers slightly moist but well-drained soil. It is important to maintain a balance between watering enough to maintain some moisture in the soil and the risk of overwatering.
Regular watering at the start of the season: Early in the growing season, when garlic plants are developing roots and leaves, make sure the soil remains slightly moist. This may mean regular watering, especially in dry weather.
Reduce watering as harvest approaches: As garlic plants mature and harvest approaches (often early summer), gradually reduce watering frequency. Reducing soil moisture at this time can help prevent bulb rot.
Monitor weather conditions: Adapt your watering frequency according to weather conditions. For example, during rainy periods you can reduce or even suspend watering, while in dry periods you may need to water more frequently.
Watering at the base of the plants: When watering garlic, be sure to water at the base of the plants rather than spraying the leaves. This helps avoid the development of fungal diseases.
Watch for signs of water stress: Monitor your garlic plants carefully for signs of water stress, such as leaf wilting. If you observe such signs, it is an indicator that it is time to water.
Ultimately, the key to watering garlic is to maintain appropriate soil moisture throughout the growing season, adjusting frequency based on plant needs and local conditions. The goal is to get decent sized garlic bulbs without the risk of rotting from excess water.
How to prevent weeds around garlic plants?
Controlling weeds around garlic plants is essential to promote healthy plant growth and maximize harvest. Here are some methods to prevent weeds around garlic plants:
Mulching: As mentioned earlier, using a layer of mulch around garlic plants can be very effective in smothering weeds. Use straw, fallen leaves, compost or other mulch materials to cover the soil. Be sure to maintain a thickness of approximately 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) for maximum effectiveness.
Manual weeding: Carry out regular hand weeding sessions to eliminate weeds that manage to break through the mulch or grow between garlic plants. Use a suitable gardening tool to uproot weeds, taking care not to damage the roots of the garlic plants.
Use mulch tarps: You can also use fabric mulch tarps to cover the garlic planting area. These tarps effectively prevent weed growth while allowing water and air to pass through to the roots of garlic plants.
Natural herbicides: Avoid the use of chemicals by using natural herbicides, such as diluted white vinegar or baking soda, to spray weeds. Make sure not to touch the garlic plants when applying, as this may damage them.
Crop rotation: Practicing crop rotation can help reduce weed pressure. Do not plant garlic in the same area of the garden every year. By rotating crops, you can disrupt the life cycle of weeds.
Use proper gardening tools: Use gardening tools, such as narrow-toothed hoes, to effectively weed around garlic plants without disturbing the roots.
Avoid bringing weed seeds: Use well-rotted compost or composted manure to enrich the soil around garlic plants. Avoid bringing in compost or manure that contains weed seeds.
By combining these methods, you can maintain a clean environment around your garlic plants and minimize weed competition, which will promote a more successful harvest.
What fertilizers are recommended for garlic in Quebec?
Garlic is generally undemanding in terms of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light feeding to promote healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Use organic fertilizers. Here are some recommended fertilizer options for garlic in Quebec or other similar regions:
Compost: Compost is a natural fertilizer source rich in organic matter. Before planting garlic, mix well-rotted compost into the soil to improve soil fertility and structure.
Composted manure: Composted manure is another rich source of organic matter. Mix composted manure with the soil before planting or apply it as mulch around garlic plants.
Specialized organic fertilizers for garlic: Some gardeners prefer to use fertilizers formulated specifically for garlic. You can find organic fertilizers designed for garlic in garden stores.
Foliar feeding: In addition to applying fertilizer to the soil, you can consider foliar feeding by spraying a diluted fertilizer solution onto the leaves of garlic plants. This can help deliver nutrients directly to plants, especially if you notice signs of deficiency.
Soil test: Before applying any fertilizer, it is recommended to have your soil tested to determine its specific nutrient needs. A soil test can tell you the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other essential elements, allowing you to apply fertilizer more precisely.
When applying fertilizer, follow specific package recommendations regarding how much to use. Avoid overfeeding your garlic plants, as excess fertilizer can harm the quality of the crop. A balanced, moderate diet is generally the best approach to growing garlic.
Should we cut the garlic flower?
Yes, it is generally recommended to cut the garlic scape, also called "garlic scape", along with the stem when growing garlic. By removing the garlic scape, you encourage the plant to direct more energy toward growing garlic bulbs rather than producing seeds. Here are some reasons why removing garlic scapes is beneficial:
Stimulation of bulb growth: By cutting the tops of the stems along with the flower, you allow the plant to focus its energy on developing garlic bulbs, which can result in larger, better quality bulbs.
Prevention of seed formation: If you leave the garlic flowers fully develop, they will produce flowers and seeds. Seed formation can deplete the plant and reduce the quality of garlic bulbs.
Flavor enhancement: The scape have a delicious flavor and can be used in cooking. By cutting them, you get an added culinary bonus while encouraging bulb growth.
Reduction of competition: The garlic flowers can also create shade on neighboring garlic plants, which can lead to uneven growth. By cutting them, you eliminate this competition for light.
To cut the garlic flowers, wait until they have reached a length of about 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) and begin to curl slightly. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the garlic flowers near the point where they emerge from the main stem. Make sure you don't damage the leaves or main stem when cutting the scapes.
The garlic flowers are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, including soups, salads, pestos and stir-fries. They have a slightly sweet garlic flavor and can be a delicious addition to your cooking.
When to cut the garlic flower?
The cutting time for garlic scapes varies by region and climate. In general, this is usually between late spring and early summer (mid-June). Cut the garlic scape when it makes its second turn to encourage bulb growth.
Monitor your garlic plants carefully and cut off the garlic scapes when you feel they are at their optimal stage in terms of flavor and texture. Garlic scapes are delicious and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, so don't hesitate to include them in your cooking.
How do you know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Harvest garlic when 50 to 60 percent of the leaves have wilted, usually from mid-July.
Knowing when garlic is ready to harvest is essential to obtaining quality bulbs. Harvest time depends on the type of garlic you are growing, but here are general guidelines for when garlic is ready to harvest:
Check the leaves: Observe the garlic leaves to determine when to harvest. When two-thirds (60% to 70%) of the lower leaves have turned yellow or dry (wilted), it is a sign that the garlic is ready to harvest. However, do not allow the leaves to become completely dry, as this can result in loss of quality.
Check the bulbs: You can also check the condition of the bulbs by carefully digging up one or two of them to see if they have reached the desired size. Garlic bulbs should be well formed and compact.
Bulb size assessment: The size of the bulbs depends on your preferences. You can harvest garlic when the bulbs are small to medium sized for a milder flavor, or let them mature further for larger bulbs and a stronger flavor.
Quality assessment: Make sure the bulb husks are firm and the cloves inside are well developed. Avoid harvesting garlic if the husks are torn or damaged.
When harvesting garlic, use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Gently shake off the excess soil and allow the garlic bulbs to dry in the shade for a few days to harden the husks. Then you can cut off the stems and roots and store the garlic in a cool, dry place for preservation.
Harvesting garlic at the right time is essential for quality bulbs, so monitor your plants carefully and follow these guidelines to determine the ideal time to harvest.
How to dry and store garlic after harvest?
After garlic is harvested, the drying and storage process is essential to ensure the longevity and quality of the bulbs. Here's how to dry and store garlic properly:
Drying garlic
Select a suitable location: Choose a dry, cool, well-ventilated place for drying garlic. A shed, a well-ventilated garage or a veranda are good choices. Avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight, as this can alter the flavor of the garlic.
Leave the stems and leaves: Do not cut stems and leaves immediately after harvest. Instead, tie garlic plants into small bouquets or weave them together in groups of 6 to 12 plants. Leave enough stems to allow good air circulation.
Hang the garlic to dry: Hang the garlic bunches or braids upside down in your chosen drying location. Make sure there is enough space between the bouquets to allow air to circulate freely. The ideal drying temperature is generally between 20°C and 25°C.
Leave to dry for a few weeks: Let the garlic dry for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the garlic will lose moisture, harden its outer coverings, and develop a more concentrated flavor.
Garlic Storage
Cut the stems and roots: Once the garlic is thoroughly dry, cut off the stems and roots about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the bulbs.
Remove the outer coverings: You can also remove the dry outer husks of the bulbs to reveal the cleaner cloves inside.
Choose a suitable storage location: Find a cool, dry, dark place to store the garlic. The ideal storage temperature is generally between 15°C and 25°C.
Use nets or canvas bags: Place garlic bulbs in nets, canvas bags or wicker baskets. Make sure air can circulate around the bulbs to prevent moisture buildup.
Check regularly: Check the garlic periodically to make sure there are no signs of rotting or sprouting. Remove damaged bulbs as soon as you spot them.
Avoid storage in the refrigerator: Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as humidity and low temperatures can cause sprouts to grow.
What is the typical shelf life of garlic?
When properly dried and stored, garlic can last for several months or even more than a year, depending on storage conditions. Garlic stored in good conditions retains its flavor and quality.
3 comments
Vraiment tout ce qu on a besoin de connaitre est là! Merci
Very informative article ! Thanks .