October is the ideal time to plant your garlic!

For successful garlic

A family of four consumes 1 to 2 kilos of garlic per year. People are snapping it up at the grocery shop and in the markets. It's a good idea to plant some in your garden this fall. You'll be self-sufficient and will be the envy of your friends and family.

In a few weeks, it will be time to sow garlic for harvesting next summer.Allium, from the Alliaceae family , is native to Central Asia. In Quebec, it is enjoying an unprecedented popularity.

There are more than 600 varieties in the world. Nearly fifty are grown in Quebec. The most common variety is Music (Porcelain group): hardy, tasty, spicy, but sweet. It was named after Al Music, who introduced it to Canada. It usually has 4 to 8 cloves (pods) and a hard stem.

When garlic is sown in mid-October, the roots will have time to form before the soil freezes solid. Properly protected, it will germinate in the spring when the temperature warms up and will grow until harvested in late July. Garlic needs a period of cold weather (vernalization) to complete its growth cycle.

As a general rule, large cloves are sown to obtain large bulbs the following year. BUT the size of the cloves is not the only criterion for success. Soil quality, weed control, fertilisation, genetics, temperature, sunlight and water quantity are all important.

Amend and fertilize

The quality of the soil is the most important element in establishing a garden. In the fall, adding organic matter is a guarantee of success. Marine or forestry compost is an excellent choice for reviving the soil.

Fertilize at planting or during the season.

It is simple to fertilise when sowing (a dose ofdehydrated chicken manure fertiliser orBionik Rooter is a good choice).

However, remember to fertilise at the beginning of growth, when the leaves emerge from the soil. Acadia fish emulsion, a fast absorbing element in cool temperatures, Bionik liquid algae, which provides growth hormones, and Bionik natural fruit and vegetable fertilizer will provide the necessary ingredients to start the warm season well.

Simple steps to remember, 3-6-12.

In well-prepared, rich, well-drained soil, hold these numbers, 3, 6 and 12.

3 inches (1.5 cm) deep, 6 inches (15 cm) between plants, 12 inches (30 cm) between rows.

Horticultural calendar for garlic

Phytoprotection

The leek moth does little damage, but sometimes more serious damage. If an attack occurs in your crop, you will see holes or galleries left by the larvae on the leaves of your alliaceae. Flat leaves, such as those of leeks, will often have small holes in them, with the larvae mining down to the softest leaves in the centre. Hollow stems, such as those of chives or onions, will be nibbled from the inside by the larva, leaving the tissue thinned, almost translucent.

Two effective means are available to control the leek moth:

BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis), a bacterium that is harmless to humans, is available in garden centres. You can apply it when you see the little worms appearing on the leaves (often in May).

The use of anti-insect netting is a means of preventing butterflies from laying their eggs on foliage, an effective barrier against these insects.

Preservation of garlic

To preserve your garlic properly, avoid humidity and cold. Cold rooms, refrigerators, garages and sheds should be avoided. The temperature and humidity level should remain as stable as possible.