AGRICULTURE NEWS - Jacques Terblanche, who co-founded Graceland Garlic Seed with his father, Dereyck, produces seed for growers on 3ha in Springs, Gauteng.
According to Terblanche, many factors have to be considered when planting garlic.
Although the crop can be grown successfully in a wide range of soil types and in almost any climate, it fares best in well-drained soils with a pH of between 6 and 7,5.
“Sandy loam is ideal. Soils with high organic matter content are preferred, due to their increased moisture- and nutrient-holding capacity. These soils are also less prone to crusting and compaction,” he says.
Very heavy soil types hinder bulb expansion, particularly if allowed to dry out, resulting in irregularly shaped bulbs. Intensive soil management practices are required on light sandy soils with low moisture-holding capacity.
“Soils should be prepared in advance to eliminate perennial weeds,” says Terblanche. He recommends ploughing to a depth of 15cm to 20cm, then harrowing, leaving the soil in good tilth. The surface should be levelled out and worked well, leaving a smooth surface to enable effective irrigation and drainage.
Read the full article here on the Caxton publication, Farmer's Weekly.
