The leading climatic factor affecting the growth of garlic in Canberra is its short growing season.
Therefore, planting garlic in Canberra should occur between October and January to ensure that it has enough time to grow before spring frosts set in.
Garlic can be planted at any time of year, with the exception of areas that consistently receive less than 20°C throughout the winter.
In areas that receive more than 20°C through summer, planting garlic should be avoided until late winter or early spring to avoid exposing the bulbs to temperatures above 25°C for extended periods.
The ideal planting time would be from March to April, however planting garlic at this time could expose it to temperatures below 10°C for extended periods and therefore reduce its germination rate.
If you’re planning on planting your own cloves as much as possible, here are some other important factors to consider when planting garlic in Canberra:
Site and soil
preparation Site preparation is a critical step in planting garlic. The pH levels of your soil will have an impact on the healthiness of your garlic plants and their ability to grow.
If you’re unsure about the soil pH levels in your garden, it’s best to have them assessed by a qualified horticulturist or gardener.
If you have poor soil that has been infested with pests like slugs or carrot root flies, it’s important to get rid of these before planting your garlic crop.
Thoroughly clean up the area and remove any weeds or debris that might inhibit good growth during the first couple of weeks after planting.
Planting Garlic in Canberra
If you want to plant garlic in Canberra, consider planting it when there’s a light frost in the night.
This is because this will increase the number of bulbils that will be produced at the base of the bulbs.
If you want to increase your chances of harvesting your own garlic, consider planting garlic between March and April.
Harvesting
Garlic should be harvested between May and July, when it has reached maturity.
Garlic that is left in the ground too long will develop a green top and can become anaerobic and start to rot.
Problems Garlic May Encounter
- Lack of water will lead to drying and wilting of the garlic
- In Canberra, garlic doesn’t like being transplanted, so it is recommended to plant them in a sunny area where they can dry out in between watering.
- Garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil that has high levels of organic matter
- To prevent insects from infesting your bulbs, use insecticide before planting
