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Some Spinach With That Garlic?

Posted by kenyadenola z8b CA, Sunset 17 (My Page) on
Sun, Oct 22, 06 at 23:52

When I plant my garlic, I plant the cloves 4" apart in either direction, so that there is basically a 4" square in between four garlic plants, my question would be, could I plant say spinach or mustard greens in those 4" squares?

I know that garlic doesn't like competion from weeds, so would this be like a weed groing in the garlic bed? Or could I plant them 6" apart and be able to get away with it?

I really hate to see that space go to waste especially since the garlic is in the ground for such a long time. I like to put as much in a bed as possible, especially for diversity. I make my beds work overtime, but I also reward them generouslly as well with lots of compost and worm castings and such.

Also, if I put the spinach in there, I would probably add a hoop house over the bed. We don't have terribly severe winters, but it would keep the spinach growing at a good pace. It would also help the garlic if we get a winter like we had last year were it rained every day for a month. The garlic hated it and started showing yellow tips before spring even came.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Kenya


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Some Spinach With That Garlic?

You could try it out but I have a feeling the garlic isn't going to like it. Whether it's spinach or a weed, it's competition for food and water and garlic needs plenty of both.


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RE: Some Spinach With That Garlic?

I also wouldn't do it, Kenya. The garlics that are left behind/missed in harvest after the bed is replanted in greens or whatever, never have the size of bulbs like those planted 6" apart with their own kind. If smaller bulbs do not bother you, then go for it........but, alot of us do think bigger is better in regard to our beloved garlics!
Glad


 
 

 

 


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