Garlic is a niche but profitable crop in Namibia, especially for farmers targeting local markets and value-added products.
Climate Requirements
- Cool to warm conditions
- Full sunlight
- Dry weather during bulb formation
Soil Preparation
- Loose, well-drained soil
- High organic matter
- Avoid waterlogged fields
Planting
- Plant cloves directly
- Depth: 3–5 cm
- Spacing:
- 10–15 cm between plants
- 30 cm between rows
Watering
- Moderate watering
- Reduce watering as bulbs mature
Fertilisation
- Compost or manure before planting
- Light nitrogen early in growth
Pest and Disease Control
- Thrips
- Fungal diseases in wet conditions
Harvesting
- Harvest when leaves turn yellow
- Cure bulbs before storage
Market Value
Garlic stores well and fetches good prices in local markets.