Many gardeners love to plant garlic in the fall. It is known that in this case, the culture gives a richer crop. However, such plantings have their own peculiarities of care for the beds. It is about them that will be discussed in our article.
Did you know? To preserve the freshness of garlic, it is recommended to carefully scorch the roots of the head.
Features planting garlic for the winter
Most often, garlic is planted in the last week of the first month of autumn or in early October. At other times, it is not recommended to carry out such actions, since if you do it earlier, the vegetable will germinate, and small shoots will not be able to survive the frosts normally, and if you do it later - the cloves will die from the first frosts.
For planting garlic at this time, it is recommended to choose the largest cloves - the larger they are, the better the crop can be obtained in spring. The culture will feel most comfortable in the place where pumpkin, cabbage or legumes grew before. Consider how and what is better to close the bed with winter garlic.
Preparation of beds and planting material
Preparing a landing site is also important. Any action is carried out two weeks before the expected date of planting of garlic.
These include the following actions:
- cleaned of garbage and weeds;
- carefully dig;
- nourish the earth with nutrients;
- when grooves are formed, ash is added, and sand is poured into the bottom.
It is recommended to place the cloves for a while in warm water immediately before planting. In addition, it is recommended to temporarily lower them in a special solution to accelerate the formation of roots.
Why you need to hide the beds
Shelter of garlic for the winter is carried out to protect against frost. Besides this, there are other reasons why this should be done.
This may include the following:
- Temperature changes. Sometimes in the winter season, there are several warm days when a vegetable can begin to grow, and then when frosts suddenly follow, seedlings will die.
- Shelter will allow you to get a larger crop.
- Organic materials provide strong shoots that appear before others.
- Protection against diseases and pests.
- The snow-holding qualities of the shelter will protect the vegetable from waterlogging and subsequent decay.
- Shelter protects the teeth from possible freezing.
- High probability of death of culture.
Important! If you refuse to shelter the beds, there is a high probability that the garlic will go to the arrow.
How to cover garlic for the winter
We offer you to get acquainted with materials that can be used for shelter. It is important to mulch the bed before this with a sand-ash mixture.
Agrofibre
Modern covering material, which managed to prove itself on the positive side. Agrofibre does not accumulate excess moisture, unlike polyethylene. In addition, garlic will not freeze and will receive the right amount of light.
After the snow melts, the film will create the effect of a kind of greenhouse. The disadvantage of such a shelter is the price, but with careful handling it can be used for several seasons in a row. The sheltering process is easy, the bed is covered, and the edges are sprinkled with soil or stones.
Peat
It is considered one of the best natural heat-insulating materials. With the help of peat, cloves can be protected even from the most severe frosts. In addition, it holds water well. However, the disadvantage is that when used, the soil is oxidized, and after the snow melts, the peat is compacted and turns into a crust. We cover the bed with material, sprinkling it with a layer of about 4 cm.
Sawdust
Sawdust is the most common method of planting preservation. They have a high level of thermal insulation, in addition, they absorb and retain moisture well. The disadvantages are poor breathability, oxidation and difficulty warming the earth.
Fallen leaves
Leaves are a good covering material that allows air to pass through, retain heat and is accessible to everyone. However, the foliage may freeze or overheat during high humidity or when the temperature changes abruptly.
With a strong compaction, all positive qualities are lost, and after the loss of breathability, the seedlings begin to rot. In addition, many insects like to winter in fallen leaves, which can harm the plantations.
Plant stems
Stems of plants can create good insulation of beds. When laying in a dense layer, such a shelter helps to keep the snow well and not overmoisten the ground. However, the disadvantage is excessive compaction and debate, which can lead to rot and mold.
Thus, in order to get a good harvest of winter garlic, it is important to properly prepare and cover the beds. What material to choose for this depends on the capabilities and preferences of the gardener.Did you know? In California, the largest garlic in the world was grown in 1985. His weight was 2 pounds 10 ounces.