Garlic is an essential ingredient in the South African kitchen, and it’s not just because of its great taste. Garlic is a standard treatment for various illnesses, including blood pressure issues, cancer, and heart disease. In addition, garlic is a simple herb to grow in South Africa. However, it is recommended to start with top quality garlic, strong, and disease-free cloves. Let's dive into the details of growing garlic in South Africa.
Choose a Location
The first thing you need to consider before planting garlic is choosing the right location. The ideal location would be an area that’s free from weeds and grass, with well-drained soil, and that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Avoid planting garlic in areas where water tends to pool, as it can lead to root and bulb rot.
Prepare the Soil
The soil needs to be prepared before planting garlic. It’s important to add compost or organic matter to the soil, mixing it thoroughly. Garlic prefers a soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. You can use a soil testing kit to determine the pH level of your soil. Add lime or sulphur, depending on the pH of the soil, to adjust it to the ideal range.
Planting Garlic
Plant garlic in the fall or winter, between March and May. Break a whole head of garlic into individual cloves, making sure not to damage the cloves’ root systems. Plant the cloves with the pointed end up, and the flat end at the bottom, about 5-7 cm deep, and 10-15 cm apart. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and pat down lightly.
Watering
Garlic needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. However, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal growth. Garlic needs to be watered once a week, and 2-3 cm of water is sufficient. The soil should be allowed to dry out before the next watering.
Harvesting
Garlic bulbs are mature and ready for harvesting when you notice the leaves turning yellow and the stalks falling over. You need to stop watering three weeks before harvesting garlic to make the process easy. Use a garden fork or spade to carefully dig the bulbs out of the soil. Hang the plants in a dry and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to dry out completely. After drying, the bulbs can be stored in a cool and dry area for up to six months.
Conclusion
Growing garlic is an easy and rewarding process for South African gardeners. Remember to choose a location with well-drained soil and good sun exposure, prepare the soil before planting, and plant the garlic cloves correctly. Water the garlic plants regularly during the growing season, but don’t overwater. Finally, harvest the garlic bulbs when the leaves start to yellow and fall over, and dry them out before storing them.
