Detailed Explanation of the Key Technical Points and Operation Methods of the Second Film-Covering Technique for Garlic

Adopting a double-layer plastic film mulching cultivation technique for garlic can increase yield, bring it to market earlier, and boost profits. Below, the editor will introduce the second film-covering technique for garlic.

1. Second film-covering technique for garlic

When covering with film, the plastic film is required to lie flat on the bed surface without wrinkles, with no gaps beneath the film, so that the film fits tightly against the bed surface and weeds are prevented from growing. When more than 50% of the garlic has emerged, break the film by piercing holes in it with a sharp iron wire, keeping the hole diameter at about 1 cm.

2. Key technical points for growing garlic in a greenhouse

1. Choosing garlic seed

Choose varieties with large and numerous cloves, high yield, a short dormancy period, and fast emergence and growth. Planting is generally carried out in spring and autumn.

2. Pre-sowing preparation

Choose varieties with large and numerous cloves, high yield, a short dormancy period, and fast emergence and growth. Soak the garlic seed in warm water at 30°C-50°C for about 30 hours, so that the garlic bulbs absorb water and swell. Then take them out, drain the water, and pile them up to sweat for about 12 hours, then remove the garlic stems. If the sowing area is large and the amount of seed soaked is great, you may also sow one week earlier without removing the stems.

3. Arranging the garlic and pressing down soil

Arrange and bury about 15 kg of garlic cloves per square meter. The tighter the cloves are arranged against one another, the better; fill larger gaps with smaller cloves. After the cloves are arranged, cover them with 3 cm of fine sandy soil on top and press it firm, then spray the surface with a 600-fold dilution of Xin Gaozhi film to increase the emergence rate.

4. Water management

Water the garlic sprouts with a diluted Xin Gaozhi film solution at a temperature no lower than 15°C. After planting and up to the early growth stage, water heavily; at the mid stage when the sprouts are about 15 cm tall, water moderately; at the late growth stage, 3-4 days before harvesting, water lightly. The number of waterings should be determined by the dry or wet condition of the soil on the rack bed.

5. Temperature and light

Keep the greenhouse film surface clean to improve light transmission, so as to obtain more light exposure time. Also spray a photosynthetic nutrient film fertilizer, which can help the garlic sprouts absorb a large amount of light energy and also provides the nutrition of conventional fertilizers, so that the garlic sprouts grow and develop better.

6. Harvesting at the right time

When the garlic sprouts grow to a height of about 35 cm and the leaves tilt slightly, this is the proper time for harvesting, and they should be harvested promptly. After a crop of garlic sprouts is harvested, using the same management methods above, new garlic sprouts will grow again after 20 days. When the new garlic sprouts grow to about 30 cm, they can be harvested and sold again. With such cyclic management and harvesting, 3-4 successive crops can be harvested.

Garlic is not difficult to grow, and it can grow in all regions, with high yield and good quality. In places such as Linyi, Shandong, where it is grown on a large scale, the economic benefits are considerable.