Early Season Garlic Fertility
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
The most important time to make nitrogen available to a garlic plant in order to increase yield is shortly after leaf emergence from the ground. Success in providing optimal nitrogen will depend on the nitrogen source you are using and some well-timed assistance from soil biology.
Remember that the nitrogen cycle is driven by biology, and biology is driven by temperature (and soil health!). Organic matter is decomposed partially into ammonium by a suite of microbes before nitrification (see Figure 1 for a handy visual). As the soil warms, N that is bound in organic matter (slow release N) will be made available, and ammonium nitrogen will turn to nitrate nitrogen (Figure 2), which is easily taken up by plants.
Bare ground garlic growers can apply their nitrogen in the spring using a variety of sources including very soluble nitrate-nitrogen forms, because the plant will take up the fertilizer readily now. Our latest research is showing that garlic needs no more than 50 lbs/A of N applied in a spring sidedressing.
Nitrogen applied later in the growing cycle of garlic has very little if any effect on the final bulb size. So if you haven't applied your N yet, now is the time!
Figure 1: Nitrogen cycling, including organic and inorganic forms.
Figure 2: relationship of nitrification to soil temperature. As temperatures climb, nitrifying bacteria more quickly convert ammonia forms of N to nitrate forms, which are more plant available but also more prone to leaching.
This article is from the April 26, 2018 edition of ENYCHP Vegetable News. To read the full newsletter,CLICK HERE.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
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Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
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Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends