By Mugenyi Joseph
Garlic is a close relative to the onions from the bulbous species.
Garlic growing in Uganda has not been given much trials by farmers as compared to other crops or vegetables, however, am sure if you give it a try you may not regret.
Soils suitable for garlic are not easy to be found however I advise that we can put that soil into the right conditions suitable for that golden crop.
Please before you begin garlic growing make sure you do soil testing first, you must be aware of the available nutrients, pH, acidity among others. Have it in mind that before you begin any step,the issue of soil is one of those factors that may make you loose or win your bet.
It must be given enough organic matter as seen below.
We do this because garlic grows better in rich soil that are soft enough for the bulbs to develop well and reach there full potential.
Garlic is one of these herbs you should have in your backyard, it doesn’t only have amazing medicinal qualities but also is easy to grow and spices up dish if added.
Am sure at least if you eat rice you must have one day encountered a rice meal with garlic as one of the spices. If you have never, try it am sure you will enjoy.
Garlic acts as a natural pesticide (repels insects), it can be grown in a container or sack. Also, this is one of the herbs that you can recycle after shopping at the market.
When you keep garlic for too long, it starts to sprout. Instead of throwing it away,just plant and begin from there.
Note; If you want to plant garlic that you purchased from market, make sure it has begun to sprout before u plant it. This is because some garlic especially that imported from China has been treated so that it will not sprout…not every garlic can act as a planting material.
You must be too keen at the above stage of planting.I advise that start planting in small and keep on replanting.
Stay logged on for our Saturday’s edition where we shall look at the growing tips of garlic (from planting to harvesting period).
Mugenyi Joseph (MJ Farmer) is a senior agronomist and agribusiness entrepreneur based in Kibiito. He can be reached on 0788741353. Email: mugenyijose@gmail.com.
