{"id":12114,"date":"2025-04-24T14:27:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T18:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/highmoor\/?p=12114"},"modified":"2025-04-24T15:07:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T19:07:50","slug":"garlic-ipm-newsletter-no-2-april-24-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/highmoor\/2025\/04\/24\/garlic-ipm-newsletter-no-2-april-24-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Garlic IPM Newsletter No. 2 — April 24, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Managing Garlic Fertility<\/h3>\n

Garlic is a moderate to heavy feeder, and careful nutrient management will aid plant development while mitigating the risk of foliar infections. The first step in any fertility program is testing your soil<\/a> before planting. You can find more information about soil tests and their interpretation in this bulletin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The table below, from the New England Vegetable Management Guide<\/a>, shows nutrient recommendations for garlic. Phosphorus and potassium applications rates should be chosen based on your soil test results. The nitrogen (N) recommendations below are for quick-release sources to ensure that plant-available N is sufficient at specific growth stages.<\/p>\n

\"Image
Source: New England Vegetable Management Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Close<\/a>
Signs that it is time for first spring N application: garlic nearly 8″ tall (A), and yellow leaf tips (B). Photos by Peyton Ginakes, UMaine Cooperative Extension. (Click photo to enlarge).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Split-Applying N<\/h4>\n

Nitrogen encourages foliar growth. Frontloading all of a garlic crop’s required N in fall will result in excessive fall growth and loss of remaining N before growth resumes in spring. Instead, split N applications are recommended.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Pre-plant<\/strong>: Applying about 1\/3 of the total N needed before planting will provide the crop with a sufficient start.<\/li>\n
  2. Shoots at 6 inches<\/strong>: Now!<\/strong><\/span> At this stage, garlic needs a nitrogen boost for foliar growth, but applying too much all at once may lead to excessive top growth that can become fodder for foliar diseases. Apply approx. 40 lb N.<\/li>\n
  3. 3-4 weeks later<\/strong>: This final sidedress will support the last of the foliar growth before plants shift their energy to bulb development. Do not apply N during the crop’s final month<\/strong>, as this can prolong foliar growth and thereby delay bulb enlargement. This can also make plants more susceptible to disease.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In fields with especially high organic matter, 20-30 lb N at each application may be sufficient. Nitrogen sources should be quick-release – fertigate with soluble fertilizers or broadcast\/band inorganic granular fertilizers. If using a source that is slower to mineralize, adjust timing to synchronize release with the schedule outlined above.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Pest Situation<\/h3>\n

    No pests or diseases were observed at any farms where we scouted this week, which was expected based on environmental conditions. Here is a quick overview of what to look out for and when, using forecasting tools:<\/p>\n