Planting Onions and Garlic Together

Plant enthusiasts often wonder if they can plant onions and garlic together, and the short answer is yes! Both onions and garlic belong to the same family, Allium, and have similar growth patterns and cultural requirements. Planting them together also helps in repelling certain pests and insects, making it a great option for those who want to maximize their garden space.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting onions and garlic together, it is essential to prepare the soil correctly. The first step is to select a well-draining soil with good organic matter content. Onions and garlic prefer slightly acidic soils with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. It is also important to clear the area of any weeds or debris that might affect the growth of your plants.

Planting Technique

The planting technique for onions and garlic is relatively simple. You can start by digging a shallow trench that is approximately two inches deep. Then, place the garlic cloves in the furrow, ensuring that the pointed tip is facing up. Cover the cloves with soil and leave a distance of about four inches between each clove. When planting onions, make sure to plant them at least six inches apart, and their tops should be just a little above the soil level.

Caring for Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic require similar care throughout their growth cycle. One of the essential things is to ensure that they get consistent watering. However, do not water them too frequently that the soil becomes soggy. Fertilizing the plants every two weeks with a good quality all-purpose fertilizer can help encourage growth. You can also add organic matter to the soil to keep it moist and prevent the growth of weeds.

Harvesting

The great thing about planting onions and garlic together is that they both mature at different times. Garlic is usually mature after approximately eight months, while onions mature after about four months. Once the garlic leaves start yellowing, and the tops start to fall over, it is a good indication that the garlic is ready for harvest. Harvesting of onions, on the other hand, happens when the leaves have started to wilt, and the onion bulbs have become large enough.

Conclusion

Planting onions and garlic together is a great way of maximizing your garden space and reaping the benefits of having both vegetables in your diet. Both plants have similar growth requirements, and planting them together can help deter some pests and insects. By following the above tips, you can grow healthy onions and garlic in your garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest.