Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

market-farming - Re: garlic question

market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Market Farming

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Allan Balliett <igg AT igg.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: garlic question
  • Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 02:04:59 -0400


Does anyone use plastic mulch for garlic? I have used straw in the past,
pulling it off in March and then cultivating several times. I thought about
planting on 6 inch to 8 inch squares on a 24 inch wide raised bed covered
with black plastic. Will I have a problem with heaving? Last November it
was very dry when we planted and that was the only time I have ever irrigated
garlic. Is there a problem with water (t-tape) under the plastic with
garlic? Thanks for your advice and experiences.

Ben in Maryland

Ben - I use straw on my garlic for thermal insulation, for blocking light (to promote root growth in the fall), and for moisture retention. The straw also blocks weeds. I would feel that black plastic wouldn't contribute much to those needs/functions.

I'm in northern Virginia. I'm digging garlic right now. This is the first year that the soil under the mulch has been DUST DRY. The garlic has not - - apparently - - suffered, but it would have been better to have watered a few times, I'm sure.

Incidentally, unlike many, I leave my straw mulch on all summer. (I do not rake it off as the soil warms.)

Again, I'm pretty happy with the garlic that I grow.

-Allan




Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page