When selecting a planting site, adhere to the principles of crop rotation. The best predecessors include legumes, cereals, mustard, clover, zucchini, pumpkin, or cucumbers. Avoid planting garlic or onions in the same soil consecutively; wait at least three to four years before reusing the same plot.
The chosen area should receive ample sunlight, as garlic thrives in well-lit conditions. Low-lying areas are unsuitable, as they tend to accumulate water during rains or thaws, which can lead to the rotting of cloves.
Two weeks before planting, thoroughly clean the area by removing stones, weeds, and old plant debris. Loosen the soil by turning it over and make amendments as necessary. If the soil is heavy clay, mix in materials such as sand, peat, compost, sawdust, or decayed leaves to improve its structure.
In sandy soil, adding clay helps retain nutrients. Fertilizers should be applied two weeks prior to planting to allow the soil to settle. This prevents the garlic from being buried too deeply, as the soil compacts over time.
For each square meter, apply 6–10 kilograms of compost, two cups of wood ash, one cup of lime, two tablespoons of potassium sulfate, and one tablespoon of superphosphate. Avoid using manure or nitrogen fertilizers in the fall, as they can negatively affect growth.
The ideal planting time is October, allowing the cloves to develop strong roots before winter arrives. Plant them at a depth of 6–8 centimeters with a spacing of 30 to 45 centimeters between rows. Proper spacing and depth are crucial for protecting garlic from freezing and ensuring healthy spring growth.