With Spring planting well underway, a gardening expert has advised on how to grow large and well formed bulbs in the milder weather. Most varieties of garlic are usually planted in late autumn or early winter as they need a period of cold weather for good bulb development, however there are some varieties that are suitable for planting in early spring. 

Ahead of National Garlic Day on April 19, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has issued advice on how to grow your own garlic at home. Firstly, you need to prepare the plant. Sourcing the best products is key - Ms Jenkins advised to buy garlic cloves or seeds from a local plant nursery or shop around online to find a strain that suits your personal preference.

Garlic thrives in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, therefore ensuring the soil isn’t too wet is key as the crop can be more prone to disease. 

Before planting your garlic outside, remove any weeds from the area. It is also advised to  mix some organic matter into your soil to improve moisture retention and nutrient levels. 

When planting, carefully split your garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Space the cloves around 6 inches apart and plant them with the tip about an inch below the soil surface. Ensure that they are planted with the flat ending downwards and the pointed end upwards.

To improve the size of your bulbs and ensure they are well formed, the gardening expert suggests watering garlic during dry spells in spring and early summer. Once they reach the optimal size, it’s best to avoid watering them as this could encourage rotting and overhead watering can lead to fungal problems.

When garlic is growing, it’s also important to regularly remove weeds to ensure that the plants aren’t shaded as garlic needs full sunlight. 

It is best to do this carefully by hand as hoeing can risk damaging the developing bulbs.

Once the garlic scapes begin to emerge from the ground, cut off any flower stems as soon as they start to form as if they are left to grow; they will take energy away from the bulb forming and growing. 

You will know that your bulbs are ready to harvest when the leaves have turned yellow. Carefully dig up the bulbs with a fork and handle them gently to avoid bruising.

Garlic can be used fresh, or dried and stored for several months. To prepare bulbs for storing, leave them to dry for two to four weeks in a well-ventilated area. Once the foliage is completely dry, cut it off and store the bulbs in a cool dry place until you are ready to use them.