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Growing garlic can be a rewarding experience, especially when you employ techniques that can accelerate growth and bring about an earlier harvest. Here’s a straightforward guide to breeding and growing garlic more quickly.
1. Choose the Right Variety:
Opt for garlic varieties known for their quick maturation. Softneck garlic varieties generally mature faster than hardneck types and are better suited for milder climates.
2. Prepare the Soil:
Garlic thrives in loose, fertile soil with excellent drainage. Work the soil several inches deep and mix in plenty of organic compost or aged manure to provide the nutrients garlic needs to grow quickly.
3. Planting Time:
Plant garlic in the fall, about six to eight weeks before the hard frost sets in. Planting in the fall gives it enough time to establish roots but not enough to produce significant top growth before winter, leading to a burst of growth in spring.
4. Proper Planting Technique:
Separate the cloves right before planting and choose the largest cloves to ensure larger bulbs. Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart with the pointed end facing up.
5. Optimal Spacing:
Giving garlic enough space to grow is crucial for quick development. Tight spacing can limit growth and bulb size.
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