Planting garlic using mulching film can help bring garlic to market earlier, increase yield, and generally improve production by over 10%. Below is a detailed guide on autumn garlic cultivation with mulch film, designed for the reference of garlic farmers.
First, selecting high-quality varieties is essential. Cangshan and Jinxiang garlic are two popular choices in Shandong Province, known for their excellent export quality. These varieties have 7–8 cloves per bulb, a slightly purple skin, thin and firm texture, strong flavor, and good storage ability. They are suitable for autumn planting due to their vigorous growth, cold tolerance, and resistance to disease.
Second, timing the sowing is crucial. Sowing too early may result in poor germination and clove splitting, while sowing too late can lead to weak seedlings that are vulnerable to frost. To ensure 4–5 leaves before winter, the ideal sowing window in central regions is from late September to early October.
Third, proper soil preparation and fertilization are key. Garlic thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Deep plowing (20–30 cm) improves soil aeration and nutrient availability. Before planting, apply 5,000 kg of organic manure, 80 kg of cake fertilizer, 40 kg of NPK compound fertilizer, and 1.5 kg of zinc sulfate per mu. This ensures a strong root system and large, flavorful bulbs.
Fourth, seed selection and film covering are important steps. Choose large, uniform, fresh, and firm garlic bulbs, weighing about 100 grams each. Plant when the soil temperature is around 18–19°C, ensuring that the garlic grows to at least 25 cm before winter. Spacing should be 15 cm between rows and 6–8 cm between plants, with furrows dug to 10 cm deep. Cover the soil with plastic film, making sure it lies flat without wrinkles to prevent weeds from breaking through. Small holes (about 1 cm in diameter) should be made for the garlic shoots to emerge.
Fifth, field management involves regular watering and protection. After planting, water thoroughly once. When seedlings appear, water again and apply antifreeze water before freezing. Cover the fields with straw or corn stalks to protect against cold and drought. Clear the mulch after the Spring Equinox and water during warm, sunny days to encourage early growth. From mid-April to late April, water as needed—1 time for drainage and 2–3 times for moisture. Apply 15 kg of urea per mu and stop watering 3–4 days before harvest.
Sixth, pest control is necessary throughout the growing season. When garlic has 2 leaves and 1 heart, use low-toxic insecticides like beta-cypermethrin to manage pests such as thrips and flies. In mid-March, monitor for leaf blight and treat with 50% polymyxin or 65% triamcinolone diluted 1,000 times.
Finally, timely harvesting is crucial. In central and southern regions, mulched garlic is typically harvested in mid-to-late May when most leaves have dried and the pseudo-stem has softened. Harvesting at this stage ensures high quality and market value. If market conditions are unfavorable, garlic can be dried and sold later, or processed into garlic yellow for winter sales.
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