If The Garlic In Your Garden Is Yellow, Here’s What It Means
Growing your own garlic is a rewarding feat, but it requires patience. It can take up to 10 months until your garlic is ready for harvesting, but the fresh taste it adds to your cooking is absolutely worth it. If notice your garlic leaves starting to turn yellow, don't panic.
Read on to learn the reasons why your garlic plants may be yellowing and how to remedy the situation.
Improper Watering
Too much or too little water is a common cause of yellowing garlic plants. If the plants receive too much water, they will turn yellow and their stems will get squishy. Alternatively, if the garlic doesn't receive enough water, the tips of the leaves may begin to yellow and curl upward.
Prevent waterlogging by improving the drainage of your plants. You can also cover the plants with mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperatures as needed.
Nutrient Deficiencies
A lack of sufficient nutrients is another possible cause for yellowing garlic leaves. If the garlic is not receiving enough important nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium, this may cause its leaves to turn yellow.
Use balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to treat nutrient deficiency.
Pests And Diseases
Yellow leaves may also be a sign that the garlic is diseased. Garlic plants can be infested with disease by pests such as leafhoppers and spider mites, and they can also contract fungal diseases such as white rot.
Check your plants for pests or fungal issues on a regular basis, and be sure to remove any affected leaves. Yellow patches, streaks, or spots on garlic leaves is often an indicator of disease.
Natural Aging
Garlic plants will naturally begin to turn yellow or even brown as they age. As a result, yellowing or browning leaves could indicate that the garlic is finally ready to harvest.
For garlic plants to mature enough for harvest, it's essential that they have sufficient water and nutrients and remain unaffected by pests and disease.
Elevate Your Cooking
If you're interested in growing your own garlic from the comfort of your own yard, there's no need to be intimidated. With the proper preparation and treatment, you can look forward to healthy garlic plants that will add fresh, delicious elevation to your favorite meals.