Gather 'round garlic enthusiasts, for today we shall delve into the depths of agricultural excellence and explore the wondrous world of garlic fertilizers! As any seasoned garlic gardener will tell you, the right fertilizer can make all the difference between a lackluster harvest and a bountiful crop of bulbous delights.
Also read: Best Fertilizers for Lawn
Now, picture this: imagine a field of garlic so robust and full of flavor, you can practically smell the pungent aroma through your screen. Each clove plump and juicy, bursting with all the nutrients it needs to reach its full potential. Such a sight is not only possible but achievable with the right fertilizer.
Our Top Choices
Best Balanced Organic Fertilizer for Garlic: Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Fertilizer 4-4-4
Best Fertilizer for Garlic Root Development and Growth: Dr. Earth Organic 5 Fertilizer 4-6-3
Best Phosphorus-Heavy Fertilizer for Garlic Root Growth: Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer 6-8-0
TL;DR
Garlic is a heavy feeder and requires a balanced source of nutrients for healthy growth and abundant bulb production. Here are three popular fertilizer options for garlic:
- Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Fertilizer 4-4-4: This organic fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant bulb production.
- Dr. Earth Organic 5 Fertilizer 4-6-3: This organic and natural fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant bulb production.
- Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer 6-8-0: This fertilizer is made from ground animal bones and provides a slow-release source of phosphorus, which is essential for root growth and bulb production in garlic.
Also read: Best Fertilizer for Summer
Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Fertilizer 4-4-4
As a florist who loves to grow my own vegetables, I have tried many fertilizers for my garlic crop, and I must say Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Fertilizer is a standout. This all-natural, organic formula is extremely balanced and versatile enough to use on most vegetables and ornamentals, making it a great choice for hobby farms and backyard gardens.
One of the things I love about this fertilizer is that it can be used right from the start of the growing season and is suitable for use throughout the season, thanks to its all-purpose formulation. It provides powerful plant nutrition for healthy and lush growth, making it a trusted brand for organic farming and fertilizing.
Also read: Best Fertilizer for Winter
However, the fertilizer does have an ‘organic’ odor and can be messy when applying it, as it is in powder form. But, the mild ‘fishy’ odor goes away quickly, and the mess is worth it for the improvement in garden production.
Before planting, I mixed 3 to 6 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet into the top several inches of soil. During the growing season, I side-dressed monthly until scapes were about to emerge. And I must say, the results were impressive.
Overall, Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Fertilizer is an excellent choice for garlic and other vegetable crops. It's organic, all-natural, versatile, and provides powerful plant nutrition for healthy and lush growth. If you don't mind the mild ‘organic’ odor and the messy application, this fertilizer is definitely worth a try.
Dr. Earth Organic 5 Fertilizer 4-6-3
As an organic gardener, I'm always on the lookout for the best natural fertilizers, and Dr. Earth Organic 5 Fertilizer definitely caught my attention for garlic cultivation. This 4-6-3 fertilizer mix is specifically formulated for vegetables, and its optimal level of nutrients is perfect for garlic growth. It's GMO-free and contains pro-biotics and seven different microbes that support long-term soil health.
One of the benefits of using this fertilizer is that it's safe for people and pets, which is a must for me since I have a dog who loves to sniff around my garden. However, it's not a good source of available nitrogen, so I usually combine it with a more concentrated source of nitrogen at the start of the growing season.
Also read: Best Fertilizer for Fall
Another thing to note is that it's suitable for use later in the season for side-dressing. Before planting sets, I mix 1.5 cups of fertilizer per 10 square feet into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. Then, I side-dress by incorporating ¾ cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet in the soil around my alliums.
Overall, I'm quite happy with Dr. Earth Organic 5 Fertilizer. It's an organic formula that supports soil health and garlic growth, making it a great addition to my gardening arsenal. The only minor downside is that it has a slightly earthy odor, but it doesn't linger for long.
Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer 6-8-0
The high levels of phosphorus and calcium in the 100% ground bone meal provide a natural source of organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. This fertilizer is perfect for promoting stronger root development and ensuring a healthy and robust garlic crop.
One of the best features of this fertilizer is that it is organic certified and made in the USA, which makes it an ideal option for those looking for sustainable and eco-friendly gardening solutions. It is also suitable for use throughout the growing season and can be used for fall bulb planting.
However, one must be careful not to overfeed their plants, as mixing with other nitrogen sources can lead to overfeeding. The application instructions are easy to follow, with new plantings requiring 1 cup of bone meal per 20 square feet or 1 teaspoon per individual set into the soil. For side-dressing, gently work 1 teaspoon per bulb into the surrounding soil.
Overall, Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an organic and natural source of phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen to promote strong root growth and early plant growth. Customer reviews have also been positive, with users reporting that this fertilizer helps deter rabbits from their gardens while promoting the healthy growth of their plants. Plus, it comes with a 100% guarantee from Burpee, so you can trust its quality and effectiveness.
Everything you should know when fertilizing garlic:
What nutrients do garlic plants need to grow healthy and strong?
Garlic plants need a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to grow healthy and strong. A fertilizer that provides these nutrients in the right ratio will help your garlic plants grow healthy and produce large, flavorful bulbs.
How often should I fertilize my garlic plants?
The frequency of fertilizer application will depend on the specific growing conditions and the type of fertilizer you choose. In general, garlic plants should be fertilized once every 3-4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose, as the frequency of application may vary depending on the type of fertilizer you use.
What is the best type of fertilizer for garlic plants?
The best type of fertilizer for garlic plants is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that provides essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This type of fertilizer will help your garlic plants grow healthy and strong and produce large, flavorful bulbs.
Can I use a fertilizer made for other plants on my garlic plants?
It's possible to use a fertilizer made for other plants on your garlic plants, but it's important to consider the specific nutrient requirements of garlic. A fertilizer that is specifically formulated for garlic will provide the right balance of essential nutrients to help your garlic plants grow healthy and strong.
How does soil type affect the type of fertilizer I should use for my garlic plants?
Soil type plays a role in determining the type of fertilizer you should use for your garlic plants, as different soils have different nutrient levels and pH levels. Be sure to have your soil tested to determine the pH level, and choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for the type of soil you have.
Is bone meal good for garlic?
Yes, bone meal is a good source of phosphorus, which is an essential nutrient for garlic. Phosphorus is important for healthy root development and bulb formation, and bone meal can help provide this essential nutrient to your garlic plants.
How to Fertilize Garlic?
To fertilize garlic, mix a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer into the soil at the base of the plants, following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose. Water the plants thoroughly after fertilizing to help the fertilizer reach the roots.
When To Stop Fertilizing?
Garlic plants should be fertilized until they start to yellow and die back, which usually happens around 2-3 months after planting. After this time, stop fertilizing and allow the garlic bulbs to mature and develop their full flavor.
Is chicken manure good for garlic?
Yes, chicken manure is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are all essential nutrients for garlic. Chicken manure can be used to fertilize garlic, but it should be composted first to reduce the risk of burning the plants.
How Often Feed Onions And Garlic?
Onions and garlic should be fertilized once every 3-4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose, as the frequency of application may vary depending on the type of fertilizer you use.
What is the best fertilizer for onions and garlic?
The best fertilizer for onions and garlic is a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that provides essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This type of fertilizer will help your onions and garlic grow healthy and produce large, flavorful bulbs.
Which NPK is best for garlic?
The best NPK ratio for garlic will depend on the specific growing conditions and the type of soil you have. In general, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 is a good choice for garlic.
How do I get my garlic to grow bigger?
To get your garlic to grow bigger, provide it with the right growing conditions, including adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. Also, be sure to fertilize your garlic regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and help it grow healthy and strong.
What nutrients does garlic need to grow?
Garlic needs a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to grow healthy and strong. A fertilizer that provides these nutrients in the right ratio will help your garlic plants grow healthy and produce large, flavorful bulbs.
What's the ideal pH for onions and garlic?
The ideal pH for onions and garlic is between 6.0 and 7.0. This pH level provides the right balance of essential nutrients for healthy growth and development, and will help your onions and garlic grow healthy and strong.
Sources we used in this tutorial