The unusually wet weather in dry Western Australia has benefited the state's garlic growers, it would seem. “The rain has helped to prepare the soil for garlic planting, that’s for sure,” notes WA grower, Angela Killick of Bawang Farm, North East of Geraldton (Bawang is a Philippino and Asian term for garlic and onion). “We’ll probably start planting on Anzac weekend and depending how well the process goes we should finish by the following weekend.” This is the 5th season of growing garlic for Angela and her husband. Scott. This year, they plan to plant almost 40,000 seeds of Italian Pink garlic.
First time garlic grower Cameron Williams, of Gin Gin, told ABC that he is expecting to do well from three varieties he has planted thanks to the level of water in the soil after higher than average rainfall.
Bawang farm is expecting a successful season following a loss of a late garlic harvest last year. A successful harvest this year will only make up for losses last year for farms such as Bawang, however. Garlic is a notoriously temperamental herb to grow, and Ms Killick says that out of 32 000 plantings of one variety, 30 000 were lost from last year’s crop.“We tried to plant a late harvest variety last year, but the soil heated up in August, then again in October and December when it was ready to harvest. That opens the door for fungi to infest the bulbs, meaning we can’t sell the produce we harvest.” The Italian Pink variety grew and cured very well in the 2014 season, as it is an early harvest crop. Angela advised that they manually manage the crop each year and it is hard work. “To anyone trying to make money out of growing garlic alone I’d say ‘good luck to you’” she adds. “I do it because I love it and I love selling it at the markets.” .
The rainfall, coupled with four seasons of prior experience and trials have also helped Ms Killick and her husband, Scott, plan for success this year. “Every year we plant in a different location. The condition of the soil is definitely what determines what we've got available,” she says.
The trial and error experience has taught the Killicks that there are certain garlic varieties that work in the Midwest of Western Australia’s climate, and others that don’t.
Angela and Scott encourage people in Australia to buy or grow Australian garlic, as the quality and flavor is exceptional.
For more information
Angela Killick
Bawang Farm
Phone: +61899205379
E-mail: bawangfarm@outlook.com