I love my garlic so MULCH!
Garlic benefits from mulching in a multitude of different ways. It works to help conserve moisture, moderate temperature fluctuations during the winter freeze and spring thaw and keep the soil cool during the hottest periods of the summer. Mulch is also an effective way to keep weed growth down, which garlic will greatly appreciate, as it does not do well with weed competition. Here are some options for mulching your garlic:
Straw. Straw is a popular choice for mulching garlic, and my personal favorite. Apply a layer of chopped straw about 2-3 inches thick around the garlic plants, taking care not to bury the leaves or stems. By wetting it down after application, it will help to settle it down and not get carried away by the wind. I will often use an old trellis, or netting of some kind to lay over my freshly laid mulch, to ensure it stays in place, until the snow falls.
Leaves. Leaves are another good option for mulching garlic. Collect fallen leaves and apply a layer about 2-3 inches thick around the garlic plants.
Grass clippings. Grass clippings can also be used as a mulch for garlic. Apply a thin layer, about 1-2 inches thick, to avoid creating a mat that can suffocate the garlic plants.
Leaves & Grass Combo. If you can run your lawn mower over your fallen leaves and grass in the fall, the combination of both leaves and grass togworks as an excellent mulch.
Compost. Compost can be used as a mulch if it's well-aged and well broken down. Apply a thin layer, about 1-2 inches thick, around the garlic plants.
Regardless of the type of mulch you choose, make sure to apply it after you have planted it in the fall, to protect it from the harsh winter climate. You can adjust the amount of mulch once the soil has warmed up in the spring and after the garlic has emerged from the ground.
