Sasha CampbellYou’ve probably heard that garlic is a great companion plant for many crops. And you’d be right! It grows well with brassicas (such as broccoli and cabbage), a variety of other crops, and even some flowers.
On the other hand, there are some plants to avoid planting near garlic. Below, we will discuss some of the best and worst companions for garlic.
Good Companion Plants for Garlic
Good companions include herbs like basil and dill, as well as flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums.
Here’s a comprehensive list of what to plant next to garlic:
- Basil
- Spinach
- Calendula
- Rue
- Celery
- Carrot
- Thyme
- Swiss chard
- Chamomile
- Beets
- Eggplant
- Dill
- Potatoes
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Yarrow
- Mint
- Roses
- Lettuce
- Nasturtiums
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Peppers
- Fruit trees
What Not to Plant with Garlic
When it comes to choosing plants to pair with garlic, there are a few that you should avoid.
For one, don’t plant garlic near beans and peas. Garlic can stunt the growth of these crops.
You also want to avoid planting garlic near parsley or sage. Garlic will have the same adverse effect on these plants as it does on the legumes.
Below are other bad companions for garlic.
- Fennel
- Sunflowers
- Asparagus
- Strawberries
- Other alliums
How to Grow Garlic
Before planting garlic, there are a few things you need to know. First, it likes full sun. Second, it doesn’t perform well in saturated soil, so ensure the soil is well-drained.
Below are other growing requirements.
Fertilizer Requirements
When it comes to feeding your garlic plants, you want to offer them a moderate to high-nitrogen fertilizer [1]. A balanced fertilizer should also work great, providing your plants with good nutrition.
You can spread manure or compost around the base of the plant every couple of weeks throughout the growing season. If possible, use aged manure or compost.
Watering
When watering your garlic, ensure you do it evenly. Don’t overwater, but also don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
A good rule of thumb is to give your garlic about an inch of water per week, either from rain or from a garden hose.
If it’s particularly hot outside, you may need to water your garlic more frequently. If the weather has been cloudy or cool, then less frequent watering should suffice.
Ensure the soil remains moist, but not saturated. Don’t allow too much water in the planting area, as this can be detrimental to your garlic’s health and growth.
Garden Pests
Some common plant pests that affect garlic include thrips, bulb mites, and leaf miners. There are also harmful nematodes, leek moth larvae, onion maggots, and red spider mites.
However, several organic treatments can repel or kill these pests. Ensure you practice regular crop rotation in your garden to reduce nematode populations.
You can also use companion planting strategies, such as placing garlic near marigolds or even nasturtiums. These plants naturally repel pests.
Plant Diseases
Some plant diseases that affect garlic include basal rot, damping-off, downy mildew, bacterial soft rot, and purple blotch.
Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize risks. For instance, practice crop rotation and avoid over-watering.
Furthermore, provide adequate space between your plants to allow for good air circulation. Lastly, make sure to engage in proper sanitation habits, like cleaning up garlic plant debris.
How to Harvest
Harvesting garlic is a relatively straightforward process.
You’ll want to wait until the bottom leaves begin to dry up, and then you can gently dig them up with a garden fork or spade.
Once dug up, gently brush off as much soil as possible and leave the bulbs to dry in a spot with plenty of air circulation.
How to Store Garlic
Now that you know which plants to pair with your garlic and how to grow it, let’s talk about how to store it.
The best way to store garlic is in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Make sure the area is well-ventilated. This helps prevent your garlic from becoming moldy or mildewed.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy storage solution, consider storing it in mesh bags or other breathable containers. Store garlic in a basket or on the kitchen counter. These places have the right temperature and humidity for garlic.
You should also pay attention to how long you’re storing it. Freshly picked cloves of garlic will last longer than those that have been sitting around for a while.
Takeaway
Certain plants boost garlic’s growth and pest resistance, but others can harm it. By knowing which plants to pair with garlic, you can help it reach its full potential in your garden.
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