Introduction
Garlic is one of the essential ingredients in many dishes all around the world. Apart from its culinary uses, garlic also has several medicinal and health benefits. To grow garlic successfully, one should be aware of its watering requirements. In this article, we will discuss how often you should water a garlic plant.
The ideal time for planting garlic
Before talking about watering, it is essential to understand the ideal time for planting garlic. In general, garlic grows best in cool weather conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to plant garlic in the fall or early spring, about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost date in the fall or the last expected frost date in the spring.
Watering requirements for garlic
Garlic needs a well-draining soil and moderate watering to grow healthily. Overwatering can cause the bulbs to rot or increase the risk of fungal diseases. On the other hand, under-watering can also stunt the growth of the plant and result in small bulbs.
Watering frequency for garlic
The frequency of watering garlic plants depends on various factors, including the climate, soil type, and age of the plant. In general, garlic plants require watering once in every seven to ten days during the growing season.
During the hot summer season, garlic plants may need to be watered more frequently. On the other hand, during rainy seasons, garlic plants may require less watering.
Signs of under-watering or over-watering
It is important to look for the signs of under-watering or over-watering to ensure that the garlic plants are getting the right amount of water. The signs of under-watering include yellowing leaves, leaf curling, and drooping plants. The signs of over-watering include mushy or rotting bulbs, yellowing leaves, and the presence of fungal diseases.
Conclusion
Garlic is an easy to grow plant and requires moderate watering. It is recommended to water garlic plants once every seven to ten days, keeping the factors like climate, soil type, and age of the plant in mind. By properly watering the garlic plants, one can ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest of garlic in the fall or summer season.