Moisture and Mulch Help Start Autumn Plants
One important need in getting garlic plants sprouted, growing and
well-rooted before cold weather is to provide enough moisture if
rainfall is insufficient. Another aid is to soak the cloves a few hours before
planting. We have also left them outside on damp ground in the
semi-shade under a grapevine or tree for several days where we kept them
very moist.
After the bulb sections swell and perhaps a few roots appear, they
may be placed in moist soil with the roots downward. A light mulch in
addition to a sprinkling of at least one inch of soil would help to hold
moisture where an extremely and environment exists. But usually the
extra sunlight without additional covering will aid earlier and greener
development of the tender blades - so it is generally better to mulch
after the blades are up a short distance above the ground. We have found
that a mulch of leaves, straw, yard trimmings, etc., helps both garlic
and any other nearby vegetation by holding moisture and shading the
ground when direct, hot sun would otherwise cause rapid evaporation.
During cold months mulch helps by providing a blanket of insulation and
some warmth.
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