Should You Cover Garlic and Onions for Winter: Tips from a Breeder
As autumn arrives, many gardeners wonder whether to cover winter garlic and onions for the winter. Some fear that without additional protection, the plants will not survive the winter frosts, while others worry that excess moisture will lead to rotting and decay of the crops.
This is reported by AgroReview
When is it Necessary to Cover Winter Crops
Breeder Mykola Zavalenyi explains that the decision to cover depends on current climatic conditions. In recent years, winters have become milder and often occur without snow, which usually protects the soil from deep freezing. In the absence of snow cover, the ground can freeze up to 50 cm deep, significantly reducing the chances of winter garlic and onions surviving the cold period without damage.
“The climate has changed, but not for the better. Winters have become warmer and snowless. Snow helps the soil retain heat better. Instead, due to frosts, the ground can freeze up to half a meter deep. In such cases, the seeds are unlikely to survive the cold. Therefore, planted winter garlic and onions should be covered,” advises the gardener.
Optimal Materials for Covering
For reliable protection of the plants, it is best to use a thin layer of fallen leaves from trees. It is advisable to place branches from trees or shrubs on top of the leaves – this not only retains heat but also protects the covering from the wind. This method is simple and accessible for most gardeners.
Mykola Zavalenyi emphasizes that straw or grass should not be used for covering. Excess moisture under such materials can lead to seed decay, as well as create favorable conditions for the proliferation of mice. Another danger is the development of mold in the rows, which can penetrate the “rosette” of garlic and onions and destroy the future harvest after warming.
When stable warmth sets in during spring, the covering should be carefully removed and the first weeding should be carried out to ensure active plant growth and healthy crop development.