Monday, September 5, 2016

Organic Garlic Update & More

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September 5, 2016

Did you plant Organic Garlic last year?  If you did, don't forget to let it cure after harvest. 
We are planning and mapping out our gardens for our next Organic Garlic planting.  I was so impressed at how well our raised beds grew this past season that we're expanding into several new beds this October.



**Please read:  Pre-orders of Organic Garlic were offered from July thru August 20th.  We expect to sell out of our remaining varieties by the end of September and will not be able to offer organic garlic again until 2017**
"As we ship on a first come, first serve basis, your order may not ship until days or weeks later. You will receive an email when your order ships. Last year we sold out in Mid-September and were unable to accept additional orders.
Please purchase additional items in a separate order.  Items ordered with Organic Garlic will ship after September 19th and into October. No order minimum on garlic"



Fall is the time to plant for best yields and highest quality bulbs. Generally plant in September-January. In very cold areas, plant by mid-October, and protect your crop with a thick layer of mulch such as straw. Expect to harvest it in June-July.  One lb of garlic seed equals approx. a 25' row with 4" spacing between plants. For most garlic varieties, expect an optimum 10 lb yield for each pound planted.
First, let's talk terminology
Below is a single CLOVE of garlic.
If you break up a head of garlic, you get lots of smaller cloves
Below is a BULB of garlic and is often referred to as a head of garlic.
 

From a customer, "In Spanish, a clove is called a diente (tooth), and the head is called cabeza (head)!"
 
HARDNECK
Rocambole garlic has wrappers that are typically reddish in color, such as Killarney Red.  However, color is not the only requirement for this category, as some varieties may be white or purple colored. Rocambole scapes are more tightly curled than other varieties.  Most rocambole varieties produce 8 to 10 cloves per head.

SOFTNECK
Softneck garlic, also called artichoke garlic due to their numerous cloves that give them an appearance similar to the "petals" of an artichoke head, is the most common garlic due to its excellent storage characteristics.  This is the kind you will find in grocery stores. 
**Softnecks are the most heat tolerant of garlic, and have a sweeter, milder flavor than hardnecks.  If you're looking to make garlic braids, this is the type to grow.
Inchelium Red is a softneck variety 
JUST A TIP: Soak garlic cloves in Organic Kelp Meal and water for 2 hours before planting.
*This can make a huge difference* 
Planting






    One important factor in planting garlic is PLANNING AHEAD.  First, because garlic takes 6 months or more to grow so you'll need a suitable spot.  Second because organic garlic bulbs are not available year-round. 
    There is usually a short window to purchase "seed garlic" and then it's gone.

     


    SUGGESTED PLANTING TIME FOR GARLIC
    Please remember that these are "suggested" dates. You'll find that different sources might have different dates.  I tend to be a bit of a rebel gardener so I sometimes plant earlier and sometimes later. 


    Central Midwest: October. Early November in a pinch
    Gulf Coast: October thru November
    Maritime Canada & New England: October
    Mid Atlantic: October
    North Central & Rockies: Late September and into October
    Pacific Northwest: Late September and into October.  Early November in a pinch
    Southern Interior: October. Early November in a pinch   
    Southwest: October thru November
    Alaska: September
    Hawaii: Late September thru October
    San Diego: October thru November
    North Florida: October thru February 
    Central Florida: October thru February 
    South Florida: October thru February 
    **October thru December might give you a better chance at a successful crop**
     
    Once you've grown your own organic garlic, read our article
    Harvesting & Curing Garlic 

    Extended Specials @
    Mary's Heirloom Seeds  


    The items listed below are on sale thru
    Friday, September 9th

    ALFALFA MEAL


    OYSTER SHELL (calcium)


    DIY Liquid Fertilizer Kit


    PURPLE PLUM RADISH
     
    GENOVESE BASIL
     

    If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. 

    Happy Planting,

    Mary's Heirloom Seeds, P. O. Box 3763, Ramona, CA 92065

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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