Garlic Farming in Kenya or onion farming is increasingly adopted by many farmers due to its profitability.
Garlic is an excellent plant widely used as food spices for making a variety of meals in Kenya and the entire parts of the world. It has nutritious value such as vitamin A and B12 that enhances a strong immune system.
Species for Garlic onion Farming in Kenya
Garlic plants have a variety of species that does well in Kenya. They include Rhino, Arusha, Rwandan and Moyale species.
Conditions Suitable for Garlic
Altitude
The required altitude for garlic farming normally ranges from 700 to 2200 meters above sea level.
Temperature
Garlic requires a temperature of 15°-30° for production. This temperature range is met in most parts thus garlic is suitable for many parts of Kenya.
Soil PH
Well-drained and fertile soils are ideal for garlic. The Soil PH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is best for farming of garlic.
Water Requirement
Garlic farming requires a lot of water, particularly during the planting season. Heavy rainfall of between 1000- 2400 mm per annual is suitable for garlic. Irrigation can be done to boost water needs in garlic farming at places with low rainfall. Cultivating garlic through irrigation enhances production of big and healthy bulbs.
Garlic Propagation
Garlic seeds should be prepared for planting 1 month before the planting period. The seeds must produce shoots for propagation to enhance a healthy and strong developing sprout. Planting the cloves before they germinate will develop weak shoots.
How to Plant Garlic
- Farm preparation. The farm should be cleared and ploughed well.
- Break the soil loose and fine.
- Using hands or stick, plant the cloves 1.5-2 inches deep.
- Bury the roots on the ground and cover the clove halfway to leave the top germinating part uncovered.
- Ensure the planting rows are spaced 30 cm apart.
Spacing Of Garlic Cloves
The ideal spacing distance for garlic cloves during planting is 10 cm. This is to allow for adequate space for formation of bulbs and avoiding competition for nutrients.
Irrigation
Adequate water supply through irrigation is essential for garlic farming, conveniently, during dry seasons. Drip irrigation is normally suitable for garlic farming since it provides a controlled and consistent water supply. Drip irrigation also lowers the chances of fungal infections.
Garlic Drip Irrigation Kit
Drip irrigation kits for garlic comes with a complete set of pipes and fittings. Aqua Hub Kenya offers the best drip kits in Kenya with affordable prices.
Components of Garlic Farming Drip Kit
Our Kits Come with the following:
- Water supply pipes– HDPE & PVC pipes for mainline and sub mainline connections.
- Connector Fittings – Tank connectors, start connectors, Elbow, middle connectors and Tee connectors.
- Couplings and End Caps – For secure pipe connections
- Control Valves – Ball Corks and Ball Valves
Weed Control
Proper weed control is crucial during the initial stages of garlic growth. Effective weed control mechanisms such as mulching are best to suppress weed growth.
Pest Control
Garlic is susceptible to certain pests such as onion thrips and nematodes. Pests affect bulbs and garlic leaves causing infections during growth, harvesting and storage periods.
Chemicals and pesticides are applicable but not good for soil fertility. Instead, use good pest control practices such as crop rotation and mulching.
Isolating infected bulbs is good to prevent mass damage.
Harvesting Of Garlic
After 5–7 months of planting, garlic is ready for harvest. The leaves always turn yellow or brown, indicating that bulbs are ready for harvest.
Ensure careful harvesting by loosening the soil and uprooting the bulbs.
After harvesting, dry the bulbs for a few days before placing them in shades and proper ventilated areas for curing.
Storage
Proper post-harvest handling and storage are critical to prevent post-harvest loses.
Garlic requires storage in a cool, dry conditions away from sunlight.
Prices of Garlic Farming Drip Kit in Kenya
The cost of our drip kits varies depending on farm size per acre and number of drip lines.
One acre – 1 line per bed costs KES. 75,000, 2 lines for KES. 130,000 and 3 lines at KES. 160000.
Drip Kit Supplier for Garlic Farming in Kenya
Aqua Hub has quality drip lines and kits. You can also reach out for questions and help on best methods and irrigation layouts for your garlic and other crops.
Call 0790719020 or email info@aquahubkenya.co.ke.
