New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, offers ideal conditions for growing various crops, including garlic. The state’s temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers makes it suitable for planting garlic in the fall. According to a report by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow in New Jersey, requiring minimal care and maintenance (NJAES, 2022). There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.
Hardneck varieties, which have a stiff stem and bear a scape (flower structure) when harvest time is near, perform well in NewJersey’s climate. These varieties are often preferred by gardeners in the state due to their robust flavor and ease of growth. Softneck varieties, But then, have pliable stems suitable for braiding and are commonly found in grocery stores.
For gardeners in NewJersey, hardneck garlic varieties such as ‘German White’ and ‘Czechoslovakian’ are popular choices due to their high yields and disease resistance (Marymount University, 2022). To cultivate hardneck garlic in New Jersey, gardeners should plant individual cloves in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.
NewJersey’s gardening season may seem to come to a close with the onset of fall, but there’s still much to be done. As the weather cools, gardeners can focus on planting cool-season crops that thrive in the state’s temperate climate. According to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, cool-season crops such as broccoli, kale, and spinach are ideal for planting in New Jersey during the fall months (Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 2022). These crops can tolerate light frosts and can be harvested well into the winter months, providing a bountiful yield for gardeners.
In addition to cool-season crops, fall is also an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs in NewJersey. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture make it an ideal time for planting, allowing roots to establish themselves before the heat of summer.
The NewJersey Nursery and Landscape Association recommends planting trees and shrubs in the fall, citing the benefits of reduced transplant shock and increased root growth (NJNLA, 2022). By planting in the fall, gardeners can give their new additions a head start on the growing season, ensuring a healthy and thriving landscape.
For those looking to add some color and vibrancy to their gardens, fall is also a great time to plant bulbs.
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Above left: Freshly harvested garlic is grown in a raised bed for optimum soil drainage. Above right: Garlic is shown in its more recognizable form.
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