When it comes to watering garlic, timing is crucial in order to ensure the best quality bulbs. It is important to water your garlic adequately during its active growth period, especially if rain is scarce. To avoid repetition, it is recommended to provide your garlic with approximately one inch of water each week. This will help to keep the soil moist and provide the necessary hydration for the garlic plants.
However, as the garlic plants progress and approach maturity, it is important to adjust your watering routine accordingly. In early June, or when you start noticing the leaves turning yellow, it is time to halt the watering process. This shift in watering practice is essential to allow the garlic bulbs to start firming up.
By reducing or stopping the watering in early June, you are essentially mimicking the natural conditions that garlic plants experience in the wild. This change signals to the garlic plants that it is time to redirect their energy from leaf growth to bulb development. By withholding water, you encourage the bulbs to mature and become firmer, resulting in better-quality garlic.
It is worth mentioning that the exact timing of when to stop watering may vary depending on your specific climate and weather conditions. Observing the state of the garlic leaves and monitoring the soil moisture levels can help determine the appropriate time to cease watering.
Additionally, it is worth considering the type of garlic you are growing. Hardneck garlic varieties, which are known for their flavorful bulbs and curly scapes, often require additional care. Many gardeners choose to cut the scapes, the flowering stalks that appear around mid-June, to redirect the plant’s energy towards bulb development. This practice can result in larger, more concentrated garlic bulbs.
Watering garlic plants should be adjusted as the plants progress through their growth cycle. While it is important to provide adequate water during active growth, it is equally crucial to stop watering in early June or when the leaves turn yellow. This signals the plants to start focusing on bulb development and allows them to firm up. Additionally, cutting the scapes of hardneck garlic varieties can further enhance bulb growth.
