I love growing garlic! For me, every experience has been rewarding and full of lessons. Have I always had positive experiences? Not at all!
However, being open-minded and curious remains one of my levers in my entire gardening years.
Sometimes, garlic bulbs turn out small due to NATURE and this can’t be your fault. However, when your garlic bulbs constantly turn out small, then, there is an underlying problem. You need to tackle it as soon as possible.
It can be disheartening and frustrating to spend so much time growing garlic and find out that they’re turning out SMALL. Nobody wants that!
This is why I am here to help. In this article, I will share the 5 major reasons why your garlic bulbs are so small. In addition to this, I will disclose the best solutions to this problem.
Ready?
Let’s get into this right away!
5 Possible Reasons for Small Garlic Bulbs
Now, there are many reasons for small garlic bulbs. However, pay attention to these 5. They are the most common. Once you identify these 5 reasons, it won’t be difficult to implement the remedial procedures to mitigate the risk.
I discovered these 5 reasons some years ago and have decided to share them with my fellow gardeners. So, sit tight and enjoy the ride!
5. Poor Soil Conditions
Several gardeners don’t pay too much attention to their soil health. During my early gardening years, I was taught to focus on fertilizers and seedlings. However, if your soil health is poor, a good seed will do no good.
Garlic can thrive in almost any type of soil. However, it is not enough reason to be careless about the type of soil you want to plant your garlic in.
Stay away from compacted soil. Garlics thrive better in loose soils.
4. Inadequate Space for Proper Growth
In a bid to effectively manage your garden space, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to plant SEVERAL veggies on a little piece of land.
This can be counter-productive – especially for plants like garlic. It does not like stiff competition.
3. Planting too early or too late
Now, the planting time might differ based on zones and regions. However, ensure you plant your garlic in the fall so that you can harvest it during summer.
Doing this too early or too late might disrupt the process – leading to the production of small bulbs, especially when they are harvested during spring.
2. Harvesting Garlic too Late
This is why you need to constantly check your garlic plant.
Once 4 – 5 leaves begin to turn yellow, it’s a sign that your garlic is ready for harvesting.
Don’t wait for the whole plant to die before harvesting your garlic bulbs. It subjects them to shrinking and rotting.
1. Inadequate Moisture Levels
Garlics are known as thirsty plants! They require consistent watering to stimulate the growth of bulbs. Dry soil conditions – especially during the bulbing phase will lead to smaller bulb production.
Furthermore, subjecting your soil to excessive water – especially when the soil is moist can affect your garlic bulbs as well. Be on the lookout for that.
What can I do to Prevent My Garlic From Producing Small Bulbs?
I discovered the following simple procedures you can follow. They will prove helpful in ensuring that your garlic bulbs become bigger, healthier and more fleshly.
