Garlic is a hardy plant with a strong, pungent flavor that enhances many savory dishes. It’s rich in manganese (a mineral important for bone health) and vitamins B6 and C, and has natural antibiotic properties. Easy to grow from individual cloves, garlic needs minimal space and helps improve soil health by adding nutrients. When allowed to flower, it attracts beneficial insects called pollinators. For NYC urban gardeners, garlic is a practical choice since it can be planted in the fall and harvested in the summer.

Growing garlic in NYC is a smart move because it can be planted in October or November and harvested in June or July, making use of your garden space over winter. Garlic requires minimal space, making it perfect for balconies, rooftops, and terraces. It acts as a natural pest repellent, meaning it helps keep harmful insects away, and it stores well for months. You can also intercrop, or grow it alongside, other plants like arugula, lettuce, and strawberries, maximizing your garden’s productivity.

Garlic requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in pots or garden beds.

Keep soil consistently moist. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Garlic is a cool weather crop and enjoys 32-75°F, ideally 40-50°F. Plant outdoors in October-November in NYC zone 7b. Cold period is essential for proper bulb formation.

Indoors: 6-8" wide, 6" deep, 1 gallon; Outdoors: 10-12" wide, 10-12" deep, 3-5 gallons

Garlic prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich mix with compost from kitchen scraps or well-rotted manure.

Use balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: compost, bone meal, blood meal. Higher potassium levels during bulb formation support healthy growth.

Remove yellowing leaves to maintain plant health. Regular care ensures a good yield of pungent, flavorful garlic.

Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Onion Maggots): Use row covers, rotate crops. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Diseases (Rust): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.

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