Central German Gardeners Gear Up for Winter Garlic Planting
Central German gardeners are preparing for winter garlic planting, with a focus on improving soil health and selecting the best varieties for their region.
Gardeners in the area often opt for white garlic varieties like 'Thermidrome' and 'Early Purple'. These varieties thrive in the temperate climate and diverse soil types of central Germany. They are also praised for their balance of flavour, making them versatile for cooking and preservation. To ensure a robust harvest, gardeners are advised to use large, healthy garlic heads and select outer cloves for planting.
To prepare the soil, gardeners are making furrows directly in cover crops like mustard, oats, phacelia, and buckwheat. This method saves space and adds organic matter, promoting soil health and soft disinfection. Additionally, allowing the bed to recover after harvesting predecessors helps garlic roots establish better before cold weather sets in.
Before planting, gardeners are treating cloves with biopreparations, phitosan, salt, potassium permanganate solutions, or ammonia to prevent diseases. The ideal time to plant winter garlic in the midlands is between October 15 and 20, on a warm, dry day. Large heads require light, loose, and fertile soil for optimal growth.
For larger bulb growth, gardeners are planting cloves vertically with a spacing of 12-15 cm between them. They are also providing nutrition in the furrow and avoiding late planting. Covering the planting with soil, compost, or a thin layer of mulch helps protect the garlic over winter.
Central German gardeners are taking steps to ensure a successful winter garlic harvest. By selecting suitable varieties, preparing the soil with cover crops, treating cloves, and following optimal planting practices, they aim to produce robust, flavourful garlic heads.
