We planted a good variety, cared for it, watered it, and during digging instead of large heads we got small garlic? In most cases the problem is not in the seed material, but in several common mistakes that are easy to correct next season.
1. Small cloves were used for planting
The size of the future head largely depends on the planting material. If you plant small or damaged cloves, you should not expect large heads. For planting always select the largest, healthy and dense cloves.
2. Garlic grew in the same place for several years in a row
The soil gradually becomes exhausted, and pathogens accumulate. Because of this the plant weakens and forms small heads. It is best to return garlic to the same bed no earlier than after 3–4 years.
3. The soil was too dense
Garlic roots need loose soil. If the ground is heavy and compacted, the head simply does not have enough space for normal growth. Before planting it is worth adding compost or humus and thoroughly loosening the bed.
4. Lack of nutrients
In spring garlic actively grows leaves, and later begins to form the head. If during this period it lacks nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus, the harvest will be significantly more modest. It is important to feed the plants in time, but without excess nitrogen in the second half of the season.
5. Lack of moisture in the important period
Especially a lot of water garlic needs in spring and at the beginning of summer, when the leaves grow and the future head is laid. Prolonged drought exactly at this time often becomes the reason for a small harvest.
6. The scapes were not removed
In bolting varieties all strength can go to seed formation. If the scapes are not broken off in time, the heads often grow smaller. It is better to remove them when they are only starting to curl.
7. Dug up too early or too late
Under-ripe garlic has not yet managed to gain weight, and over-ripe starts to fall apart into cloves and stores worse. Orient yourself by the yellowing of the lower leaves and the ripening of the plant, and not only by the calendar.
How to get larger garlic next year?
- plant only large cloves;
- observe crop rotation;
- plant in loose fertile soil;
- feed and water in a timely manner;
- remove the scapes;
- do not hurry and do not be late with the harvest.
Sometimes it is enough to correct only one mistake so that next summer instead of small heads you dig up truly large, juicy and well-formed garlic that will store excellently until the new harvest.