When to plant garlic in Dallas Texas? This is a question that many people have, especially those who are new to the area. The good news is that the answer is fairly simple! Garlic can be planted in Dallas from early October through December. Keep in mind that the later you plant, the less time your garlic will have to grow before it goes into winter hibernation.
Dallas TX Hardiness Zone
Dallas Texas is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. This means that garlic can be planted here from early October through late November. If you live in this area and want to plant garlic, the fall is the time to do it!
Garlic Type
There are a few things to keep in mind when planting garlic. First, make sure you select the right type of garlic for your area. There are two types of garlic – hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic is better suited for colder climates, while softneck garlic can be grown in warmer climates.
Best Time to Plant Garlic in Dallas
Second, make sure you plant your garlic at the right time. The best time to plant is in early fall when temperatures are between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (or four to ten degrees Celsius).
Give it Lots of Sun
Third, make sure that you plant your garlic in an area where it will receive full sun for most of the day. This means finding a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil is Key
Fourth, make sure your soil is well-drained and has good moisture retention. Garlic prefers a loamy soil with a pH between seven and eight (neutral). If you have clay or sandy soils, amend them with compost before planting garlic in order to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Spacing
Last, but not least, be sure to space your garlic plants properly. Garlic should be planted about six inches apart and two inches deep. If you are planting cloves, make sure the pointy end is facing up.
Water and Fertilizer
Once you have planted your garlic, it is important to keep the soil moist until the plants are established. After that, you can reduce watering to once a week. Garlic requires plenty of nitrogen, so be sure to fertilize with an organic fertilizer every four to six weeks.
How to Care for Your Garlic Seed Stock
Garlic is a hardy plant, but it does need some care to keep it from getting too crowded. One of the simplest ways to do this is by thinning out your garlic every couple of years.
To thin, simply dig up and replant all cloves except for two in each clove group (one large clove and one small clove). Do not harvest any garlic bulbs until they are fully mature.
If you find that your garlic is growing too quickly, or if it starts to wither, you may need to water more often and/or apply an organic fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. You can also mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
When to Harvest Garlic in Dallas
Garlic can be harvested any time after the leaves have died back and the bulbs are firm. The best way to harvest garlic is by gently pulling on the bulb until it snaps off. Be sure not to damage the cloves, as they will need to be replanted. You can also cut the garlic stalk off about an inch from the top of the bulb.
Once you have harvested your garlic, it is important to dry it out in a shady area for two to three weeks. Once it is dry, you can store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Conclusion
If you follow these tips, you will be able to plant a successful garlic crop in Dallas Texas. Thanks for Reading