Garlic, a member of the same plant family as onions, leeks, and shallots, isn’t just a kitchen staple. When applied to plants, it can bring about surprising benefits. Originating in Central Asia around four thousand years ago, garlic has become a global crop, with documented use in India and Egypt dating back to the third millennium BC.
Packed with micronutrients like manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium, and boasting low-calorie content, garlic is not just a flavorful addition to our meals. Its richness in polyphenols and antioxidants, particularly in black garlic obtained through a specific transformation process, amplifies its nutritional profile.
In our orchards or gardens, garlic unfolds as a versatile and easy-to-grow medicinal plant with numerous advantages. Beyond its culinary significance, it becomes a natural ally for plant protection. By strategically planting garlic around fruit trees, we create a shield against pests like aphids and spider mites, thwarting fungal attacks in the process.
The benefits extend further when garlic is planted alongside other crops, preventing the onset of parasites in our gardens. In particular, growing garlic proves highly beneficial for tomatoes, acting as a natural bactericide and fungicide. This powerful plant acts as a deterrent, repelling nematodes and finding utility in carrot and strawberry crops as well.
For those seeking natural remedies, a garlic infusion serves as an excellent home remedy to repel aphids without resorting to toxic chemicals. Applying remedies with garlic at dawn or dusk over five days can make these pesky insects vanish.
When it comes to combating fungal threats, garlic steps in as an effective fungicide. By blending a head of garlic with cloves and water, letting it rest, and then diluting it before spraying it directly on plant leaves, we create a natural defense mechanism against potential infections.
For a more robust insecticide, garlic plays a starring role in APICHI, a potent solution against soft-bodied insects like mites, whiteflies, aphids, and caterpillars. Creating a homemade version involves chopping garlic, macerating it in water, boiling the solution, and using the resulting liquid as an insecticide through a sprayer.
In the realm of plant care, who would have thought that the humble garlic could be such a powerful ally? Embrace the natural wonders of garlic and watch your garden thrive with health and vitality.
