When to Pull Mulch Back From Spring Garlic

Benefits of Mulching

• Not only does mulch protect newly planted garlic cloves from freezing, it helps the soil retain moisture and discourages the development of weeds that are a real threat to its development. Like all members of the Allium onion family, garlic produces very shallow roots that are easily overtaken by the stronger more aggressive roots of many weeds or other plants growing nearby. Organic mulches also contribute valuable nutrients to the soil as they decompose, a real boon as garlic is a heavy feeder.

Planting Garlic

• Garlic is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 8 and can be planted in the fall in areas within that range. It prefers rich loamy soil and can be planted as early in the spring as the ground can be worked. Planting them about six to eight weeks before the first hard frost translates into a harvest the following summer. Plant the cloves root-end down 2 inches deep and about 4 inches apart, allowing about 8 inches between the rows for weeding and cultivation. Water the bed until the soil feels moist but not saturated.

Mulching Process

• Once the cloves are in the ground and watered, spread a layer of organic materials such as straw or shredded leaves to a depth of at least 4 inches over the bed, making sure to leave no gaps where sunlight may encourage weed growth. Replenish the mulch as it decomposes or if it becomes matted down by heavy rains until the first snowfall, which provides additional insulation against hard frosts. During a wet year, mulch can promote soil-borne diseases and should be removed once the weather becomes mild to allow the soil to dry. During mild winters or winters with little snowfall, it's common to see garlic shoots poking through the mulch in very early spring. If the weather consistently remains at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can safely remove the mulch. A late February or early March frost may damage the shoots but the cloves themselves should be fine.

Considerations

• When the mulch is removed, the garlic enters an active growing stage during which the top grows taller and the bulb enlarges and separates into cloves within its papery husk. Scapes often appear at the top of the green shoot, appearing as a smaller curved top with what looks like a tiny garlic clove at the tip. Remove the scapes to return valuable nutrients to the developing bulbs and use them in the kitchen as you would regular garlic. Harvest garlic when the tops start to turn yellow by digging them up gently from below the roots. Brush the dirt off and place them in a warm airy place to cure and dry.