Question From: Holly, Michigan, United States
Q: After reading your article "Garlic is a snap" I'm ready to try it again. For the last 3 years I have attempted garlic. Being told its so easy to grow. I found cloves to be very expensive but expected the return would offset that. I planted as directed which was the same as your article. My crop included a great green top. Scapes were terrific used in cooking. However when it came to harvest all I had were bulbs less than the size of a dime if even that. Do you have any suggestions as to how to improve my crop? Should I not harvest the first year and see what the second year brings? Thank you for this avenue for asking questions.
A: Claudia, Garlic requires organic rich loose soil. I mix compost and organic fertilizer in the soil when planting. I put 4 to 6 inches of shredded leaves on the soil over the winter. In spring I fertilze with fish and kelp fertilizer. Garlic needs moist soil so mulching during the summer will help the soil retain moisture. Hope this helps. Best Nancy
