How to cover garlic for the winter and how to keep planting until spring

Why is garlic planted before winter

Garlic has a ton of nutrients. In addition to the well-known ability to increase immunity, it has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, liver and even mental abilities.

Planting garlic in the fall has several benefits:

1. Early shoots. Autumn planting, unlike traditional spring planting, will provide the gardener with an early harvest. And this, in turn, will free up and prepare the beds for other crops.
2. Winter garlic undergoes a kind of hardening, after which it becomes stronger and more resistant to environmental factors. The vegetable easily adapts to changes in temperature and humidity levels.
3. Sowing in the cold season protects the vegetable from pests.
4. The fruits of winter garlic are usually large, and the division into cloves is uniform.

Video "Why you need to cover garlic for the winter"

In this video, a specialist will tell you why you need to cover onions and garlic for the winter.

Do I need to cover the beds

Despite the resistance of the crop, frost, snow and fluctuations in the temperature column negatively affect fragile seedlings. They weaken and become more susceptible to decay and pests. Experienced gardeners know: in order for the garlic harvest to be generous and of high quality, the culture must be insulated for the winter. There are a number of explanations for this:

1. During the thaw period, when the weather is unstable, the first shoots may appear, which will die from subsequent frosts. A properly prepared shelter will prevent the ground from freezing.
2. The shelter will protect the seedlings from snow, and at the same time from waterlogging of the soil.
3. Organic insulation materials can speed up the sprouting process.
4. The shelter reliably protects the crop from garden pests and fungal diseases.

The decisive factor in the question of whether it is necessary to cover the garlic for the winter is the climatic features of the region. If we are talking about the Moscow region, where winters are mild, there is no special need to shelter the culture. As for Primorye with dry and cold winters, additional shelter is indispensable.

What materials to use for shelter

In the fall, before planting garlic, you need to mulch the soil. For this, a mixture of sand and ash is prepared. When the cold weather finally settles, you can start warming. The choice of material should be based on the climatic features of the area.

There are several options for insulation:

1. Agrofibre. It is a thin film made of polypropylene. The material is used in regions with relatively warm winters. It keeps heat well and lets in sunlight. In addition, agrofibre prevents the accumulation of excess moisture in the soil. With proper handling, the material is enough for 3-4 seasons.
2. Peat. Used in regions with cold winters. The soil, mulched with peat, retains heat and moisture for a long time. The disadvantage of the material is that in case of rain, peat is oxidized, which leads to a strong compaction of the soil.
3. Sheet. The most affordable insulation is fallen leaves.It has high air permeability, which will prevent the teeth from rotting. But there are also significant drawbacks. Firstly, insects live in dry leaves, which can wreak havoc on planted garlic. Secondly, the foliage that has survived the frost turns into a solid crust that does not allow air to pass through. Thus, excess moisture accumulates under the material, which provokes the decay process.
4. Sawdust. This is the most versatile option for mulching the land. Sawdust perfectly retains heat in the soil and absorbs excess moisture. But after getting wet, the material becomes unsuitable for shelter, since it prevents the soil from heating up and makes it difficult for air to circulate.
5. Hay. The advantages of this option include good thermal insulation. Hay retains snow, which prevents excess liquid from entering the ground. However, after getting wet, the hay becomes very compacted, and this leads to a gradual rotting of the soil under it.

To prepare the crop for winter, you need to mulch the soil, cover it with a small layer of peat, cover it with protective material, and then dry foliage. Under such a shelter, young sprouts are not afraid of frost and high humidity.

An experienced gardener knows that in order for garlic to bring a generous harvest, you need to take care of its wintering. Depending on the climate of your region, you should prepare a shelter that will not only protect the seedlings from the negative effects of the environment, but will also be breathable. Subject to compliance with all standards of insulation, garlic will safely overwinter and bear high-quality fruits.