To Grow Elephant Garlic in Your Garden

To Grow Elephant Garlic in Your Garden

If you’ld like to grow some of this interesting and delicious garlic in your garden, Barbara offers these tips: Soil—grows in most soils, but prefers medium lam. high in humus. P.H. range from 6.5 to 7 PH. Nitrogen—adequate for fast early growth PhoaphonM—for root growth (apply before planting) rock phosphate or bone meal Calcium—maintains soil in neutral conditions Potash—for strength and rigidity Trace Elements—for making good growth use fish emulsion After Planting—when stalks appear, cultivate and keep weeded Watering—No additional watering unless drought conditions materialize. Don’t water after end of June, so bulbs can mature. Mulching—Can be used for winter protection Care—In late Spring, pinch off center stalk with buds as soon as they appear Harvesting—Ready when leaves and stalks become yellow and start withering brown. Can be pulled out of loose soil or dug with a fork. Before storing they should be thoroughly cured and dried. Care • on slats or wire in sun for 2 to 3 weeks depending on the weather. Keep out of rain. Cut stalks leaving '/> inch on the bulbs. Store—In open mesh bags or shallow wooden bins with wire or slats. Room should be cool and dry. Stir bulbs every week or 10 days so they change position.