How to fertilize garlic in spring and summer

Garlic has been a part of the human diet since ancient times; cuisines around the world are indispensable without it, and it occupies a leading position in Slavic cuisine. Almost every garden plot grows this healthy, aromatic crop, devoting it the necessary attention.

To get a decent garlic harvest, you need to follow certain care guidelines. One of these is spring and summer fertilizing.

Timing of spring and summer fertilizing

Most gardeners typically plant two types of garlic: winter and spring. Winter varieties are planted in the fall, while spring varieties are planted in the spring. Winter garlic sprouts much earlier, in early spring. Both varieties require fertilizing, as the plant gains strength and growth in the spring and requires additional nutrition. The first fertilizing of winter crops is simply done earlier. The following schedule can help determine the timing of fertilizing:

• No. 1 - emergence of seedlings;
• No. 2 - 2 weeks after feeding No. 1;
• No. 3 – head formation period (2-3 ten-day period of June).

How to apply mineral fertilizers

Garlic grows poorly in overly moist soils; it does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so it is recommended to combine watering and fertilizing – this prevents the soil from becoming over-watered and improves nutrient absorption.

On poor and severely depleted soils, it's a good idea to use ready-made complex mineral fertilizers with added humates. Humates can be applied to the roots and foliar surfaces.

What to feed

1. Top dressing No. 1 activates leaf growth, so nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used – urea (ammonium nitrate) – 15 g/10 l/3 m².
2. Fertilizer #2 is applied at a time when phosphorus and potassium are needed for the formation of the underground part – a nitrophoska solution (30g/10l/3m²). Fertilizer is applied early due to the long time it takes for the minerals to decompose.
   Important! Nitrogen fertilization is not carried out after mid-June – the formation of the head begins.
3. Fertilizer #3 is applied after mid-June. Necessary components are phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen during this period leads to increased leaf growth and bolting, which affects the size of the underground part. Fertilizer composition: single superphosphate (30g/10l/2m²) and potassium sulfate (15g/10l/2m²). Superphosphates dissolve better in hot water, and it is recommended to let the prepared solution sit for 24 hours.

It is permissible to add ash to the soil at intervals of 2 weeks or to dust the tops with it as additional separate fertilizer.

Organic fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are widely used—they're easy to prepare, easy to choose, and simple to use. They're rich in nitrogen, essential for the tops, and also contain other micronutrients that help grow large, high-quality heads. Another advantage of these fertilizers is that they don't accumulate in the soil or the crop.

Organic fertilizer options

1. A mullein infusion is prepared from manure and water in a 1:5 ratio over the course of two weeks. The process should be controlled by periodic stirring of the ingredients. The infusion is diluted 1:10 and watered at a rate of 8-10 liters per square meter. Ready-made fertilizer, such as Radogor, is available in stores.
2. Wood ash is used in dry form and as an infusion. Dry ash is scattered between garlic rows during fertilizing #2 or watered with an infusion (200g per 10l). Ash in any form helps prevent yellowing of the tops and disinfects the soil.
3. Compost extract enriches the soil with nitrogen, improving its fertility. It is prepared from mature compost and water (1:10) for 3-4 days, stirring constantly. When the grounds settle, the infusion is ready.
4. Ammonia (ammonia) solution, 25 ml per 10 liters, is used for spraying and watering, followed by loosening the soil. The nitrogen contained in ammonia is essential for plants, and the vapors are harmful to many pests. This solution can be used throughout the growing season.

Traditional methods of feeding

Those who grow garlic at home often use simple folk remedies for feeding – they are always available at home, easy to use and apply, inexpensive, and do not contain chemicals, which is important.

Recipes for traditional fertilizers

1. A solution of table salt (3 tablespoons per 10 liters) is used to accelerate growth when the tops are yellowing and drying out. Stem nematodes, threadworms whose larvae overwinter in the soil and bulbs, dislike salt solutions.
2. A yeast solution supplies the plant with nitrogen and promotes the growth of the root system - dilute yeast (100g) in 1 bucket of water (40°-50°), leave for 24 hours and water, using this solution per 3 m².
3. Hydrogen peroxide in solution disinfects planting material from fungal infections and promotes vigorous growth. It is applied as a spray with a weak solution.
4. Green manure crops (white mustard, beans, and peas) are sown to enrich the soil in garlic beds. In the spring, the soil is tilled, organic matter is added, and the fertilizer crops are planted in rows, leaving space between the rows for the garlic. When the grass grows to 20 cm, the garlic is planted.
5. Herbal infusion contains high levels of nitrogen. To prepare it, take chopped weeds and fill a large container 2/3 full, then add water. The infusion is left to steep for about two weeks, stirring constantly. The settling of the grass indicates that the infusion is ready. Diluted 1:10, the infusion is used for nitrogen fertilization.

Timely fertilizing in spring and summer guarantees a harvest of large, juicy, aromatic garlic heads that retain their beneficial properties throughout the winter.