How to grow garlic in the garden or in a pot

It is planted in dry, loose soil during the winter season, from November to February. It is harvested approximately from June, when the plant's leaves begin to dry.garlic It's an easy plant to grow anywhere: in the garden, or in a simple pot on the balcony. And among other things, it's also useful for detoxify the liverGarlic, already known to the ancient Egyptians, is a true concentrate of healthy virtues, also useful for purifying the liver and against the earacheHere are the most important ones: it regulates blood pressure, is a natural antibiotic against gastrointestinal diseases, lowers "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, has an anti-tumor function and contains as many as 400 healing components.

Variety

Garlic is a product of excellence of Italian agriculture, so beware of wasting it by purchasing similar varieties that perhaps come from China. In our country in particular, there are three varieties of garlic. White: the strongest of all, and also the one with the highest concentration of natural properties. Red: slightly spicy, which you can use in all dishes where a spicy flavour is required. PinkThis is a very delicate and aromatic variety. Virtually every Italian region has its own garlic, complete with a certified designation of origin, guaranteeing its uniqueness. We'll highlight three, based on their different colors. The best white garlic comes from the province of Naples, which is harvested on St. Anthony's Day (June 13th) and left to dry until St. John's Day (June 21st). As for red garlic, the best one comes from the Sulmona area, where one of the few garlic varieties with flowers grows. Finally, pink garlic: the best is grown in Vessalico, Liguria.

But how do you grow garlic? The first thing to do is choose fertile, well-drained soil, keeping the rows of cloves 35-40 centimeters apart, and 10 centimeters apart along the same row. The cloves should be planted with the tip facing up, at a rate of 25 cloves per 25 square meters (equivalent to 15 kilograms of bulbs per 100 square meters). The soil should be watered only when dry, and after planting, it's a good idea to mulch it with straw, chopped leaves, or grass clippings. Growing garlic in a potGarlic, indoors or on the balcony, is a very simple operation that requires little space and little care. Garlic is best planted in the fall, and a single clove, completely organic and untreated, is all you need to start growing. The ideal time is from October to March. October in regions with temperate climates and March in regions with colder climates

How to plant

First, we recommend contacting a garden center to find out which type of garlic is best for your area. Generally, starting with supermarket-bought garlic is fine, as long as it's organic and untreated. Garlic doesn't require a special pot or special soil like other plants, but we know it doesn't tolerate waterlogging, so it's best to avoid it. Plant your own. bulbils (garlic cloves) with their skins on, 5 cm deep, spacing them about 15-20 cm apart. These will quickly produce a seedling, which also produces a beautiful and colorful flower. Water twice a week until summer.

Collection

Garlic is ready when the green stems turn yellow and dry, usually in midsummer. At that point, you can dig it out of the ground and let it dry outdoors for another couple of weeks, until the outer layer of the bulbs has become papery. At this point, all that's left to do is clean it of the soil and use it in cooking.

How it is preserved

Garlic is best stored in a perforated container, preferably in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, you can braid the garlic into braids: they're attractive and easy to store.

Read also:

• Ornamental garlic
• Garlic Spray: A Powerful Natural Insecticide
• How to Grow Ginger in a Pot on Your Balcony

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