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  • From: guyclark AT socket.net
  • To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Garlic
  • Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 11:49:39 -600


> I have a question for our resident garlic expert on the list. Due to a
> series of activities, etc. I have 20 or 25 pounds of seed garlic in my
> basement instead of in the field and its making me crazy! We've have
>fields that are too wet to get into lately and thus I'm trying to figure
>out how to pull this out.

It's been down to between 10 and 20 here in Central Missouri the last
week. I face the same dilemma as I have been called "The King of Garlic"
in these parts.

Due to Columbia Farmers' Market staying open to November 20 and then my
work on a Christmas tree farm until yesterday and a regular 40 hour a week
job, I have about 60# left to plant.

Luckily, before we got 8 inches of rain and 4 inches of snow a couple of
weeks ago I got the area I am going to plant in made into raised beds with
my Gravely. A friend loaned me a tree planting bar and I used it to plant
about 30#'s a week or so ago. I will plant the rest if the ground thaws.

The hardest part for you will be getting the ground worked if it thaws
out. You could use a planting bar and not till it.

> Right now I'm wondering if I should go on and put the garlic in the
>cooler (at 40ยบ) to at least get it cold - or should it be colder? I'm
>also worrying about putting garlic in sort of frozen ground - is that a
>stupid thing to do if and when we can get in there and till in the next
>few weeks?

The cooler is definitely a good idea if you suspect you won't be able to
plant it pretty soon. This will slow down its metabolism and give you a
better chance of holding it until you can either plant it, eat it, or
preserve it. I think below 40 degrees is what it takes for vernalization.
Yep, here's a link:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/vegetable/cropguides/garlic.html
OPTIMUM GROWING CONDITIONS
Cool conditions during growing season. Temperatures below 40oF for 6 - 8
weeks required for vernalization. Once vernalized, bulbing initiates when
day length exceeds 13 hrs and soil temperature exceeds 60oF. Adaptable to
all areas able to produce onions.

Planting in frozen ground shouldn't be a big problem as that is where it
lives in winter anyway, but you may want to reduce the temperature before
you plant it to harden it off. If you are anything like us here in
mid-Missouri, there is bound to be a warm period some time in the next
couple of weeks. I'm just hoping mine comes before Thursday when I leave
for Texas for five days.

Good luck.
Guy Clark
Columbia, MO (Supposed to be Zone 5-B but the lowest it's gotten here
since 1991 is -2)





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