Garlic Irrigation Farming In Kenya
Garlic irrigation farming in Kenya is undertaken using drip irrigation systems, overhead irrigation, or the newer rain hose irrigation system. Grekkon Limited advises on how to irrigate garlic in Kenya. This is through three irrigation system types for small through large garlic growers in the country. Commercial farmers factor in irrigation in the overall cost of garlic farming in Kenya. Garlic buyers in Kenya seek garlic for sale by contracting filed under irrigation. This crop has uniform maturity and a better size, also a factor of when to irrigate garlic.
The cost of garlic irrigation farming in Kenya is;
- Garlic drip irrigation; this assumes a 1M wide bed with 3 drip lines. The space from bed to bed is 0.4M
| Acreage |
Size in Meters Square |
Price in KES |
| 1/8th acre | 506 | KES 38,000 |
| 1/4 acre | 1,024 | KES 55,000 |
| 1/2 acre | 2,025 | KES 85,000 |
| 1 acre | 4,048 | KES 165,000 |
2. Garlic rain hose and overhead irrigation (using rain gun, meganet or impact sprinklers)
| Acreage |
Size in Meters Square |
Price in KES |
| 1/8th acre | 506 | KES 10,000 |
| 1/4 acre | 1,024 | KES 18,000 |
| 1/2 acre | 2,025 | KES 30,000 |
| 1 acre | 4,048 | KES 55,000 |
How to Grow Garlic Through Irrigation
Garlic irrigation time
Water in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are low. This reduces water loss as a result of evaporation.
Garlic water requirements
Water the crop to the full root depth and the soil should remain moist through out the growing season. Moist but not wet. Garlic needs 1 inch of water per week. When young, the water needs are small and increase as the crop matures. During bulbing, the crop will require the most water.
Water management of garlic
Do not water during the rainy season. Water once a week in the cool season and 3-4 times a week in the hot season. When the bulb has formed and matured, reduce watering completely 1-2 weeks before harvesting.
Garlic Irrigation Farming in Kenya FAQs
What is the best irrigation for garlic?
Garlic drip irrigation is the best because it uses less water and labor. It is expensive to install but it is the cheapest to maintain. Rain hose kits have a much more even water distribution pattern than sprinklers, and are easier to install. They require less labor too. Rain hose kits like sprinklers are water inefficient.
How often should garlic be watered?
Once a week in the cool season and 3-4 times a week in the hot season.
How much water does garlic need?
Garlic requires 1 inch of water per week.
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