In spring, winter garlic seedlings are among the first to appear in the beds. So it’s time to start feeding and fluffing. Let’s consider the full cycle of fertilizing winter garlic – for the entire season.
First feeding
As soon as garlic sprouts appear, it should be fed with nitrogen fertilizers – for good growth. During this period, it is best to use ammonium nitrate. The fact is that the positive temperatures are still not high, and in such conditions, other nitrogen fertilizers are not always well assimilated. Therefore, it is best to use ammonium nitrate during this period. It can be used dry or prepared as an aqueous solution.
- Application rate in dry form: 30-40 g of saltpeter per 1 square meter. m. If the soil is dry, then before applying fertilizer, the bed must be poured with water, otherwise the root system of the plants may be damaged or burned when nitrogen fertilizers are applied.
- To prepare the solution: 30-40 g of ammonium nitrate per 10 liters of water. We prepare the solution, pour it into a watering can and water the bed with garlic. Also, if the soil is dry, first pour it with clean water.
!Note that water not only prevents damage to plants, but also promotes deeper penetration of fertilizer into the soil layers, so plants will better consume the necessary nutrients.
Second feeding
Approximately 10-14 days after the first, we carry out the second feeding of garlic. For this, we use magnesium sulfate. During this period, several leaves appear in the garlic. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen plants with nutrition, especially nitrogen and phosphorus.
The composition of the fertilizer (magnesium sulfate) includes 13% sulfur and 17% magnesium. Magnesium helps the assimilation of phosphorus in cold soil, due to which the root system of garlic begins to develop more actively. And sulfur helps nitrogen assimilation for good growth of vegetative mass. ! When applying magnesium sulfate, nitrogen is absorbed twice as well as when applying nitrogen fertilizers.
The rate of application of magnesium sulfate: 30-40 g per 1 square meter. m.
It is possible to use both an aqueous solution and a fertilizer in dry form with mandatory incorporation into the soil.
Organic fertilizers
For those who prefer not to use mineral fertilizers, but prefer natural organic ones, there is another way of feeding — you can use an infusion of chicken droppings.
Preparation of infusion: 0.5 l of chicken droppings per 10 l of water. We pour the litter with water and insist for 5-7 days. Before using the infusion, be sure to dilute it with water – we get a working solution for watering.
Preparation of the solution: 1 part infusion to 20 parts water. We use it for watering plants under the root.
Infusion of chicken droppings is an excellent substitute for nitrogen fertilizers. As a result, the microflora of the soil improves, and plants receive the necessary nutrition.
Third feeding
The third, most important feeding is carried out approximately 3-4 weeks after the second feeding, when 7-8 leaves appear in the garlic.
And that’s why we use monopotassium phosphate (potassium monophosphate). During this period, it is very important for garlic plants to get plenty of phosphorus and potassium: for the good development of the root system, as well as for the formation of a quality bulb. Potassium monophosphate can be applied both in dry form and in the form of a solution.
Dry fertilizer: 30-40 g per 1 square meter.
Solution: 30–40 g per 10 liters of water.
During this period, dry weather is possible, and therefore, before such feeding, it is necessary to first pour water on the soil.
Organic fertilizers
For supporters of organic farming, for those who do not want to use any chemical mineral fertilizers, there is also another way. For feeding, you will need ordinary wood ash. It is best to apply it in the form of a solution.
Preparation of ash solution: 1 glass. ashes + 1 glass 9% vinegar per 10 liters of water. The resulting ash solution is used for irrigation.
Ash contains many different trace elements, phosphorus and potassium, which garlic needs. It is enough to carry out two feedings with an ash solution so that the plants receive the necessary nutrition.
Thus, for the whole season, we carry out only 3-4 fertilizing of garlic, and thanks to them, the harvest will always be good!
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