Garlic Irrigation In Kenya

Garlic irrigation in Kenya is undertaken using drip irrigation systems, overhead irrigation or the newer rain hose irrigation system. Grekkon Limited installs these three irrigation system types for small through large garlic growers in the country. The cost of garlic irrigation in Kenya is;

1. Garlic drip irrigation; this assumes a 1M wide bed with 3 drip lines. The space from bed to bed is 0.4M

• 1 acre Kes 130,000
• 1/2 acre Kes 70,000
• 1/4 acre Kes 40,000
• 1/8 acre Kes 25,000

2. Garlic rainhose and overhead irrigation

• 1 acre Kes 55,000
• 1/2 acre Kes 30,000
• 1/4 acre Kes 18,000
• 1/8 acre Kes 10,000

Garlic irrigation time

Water in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are low. This reduces wtaer loss as a result of evaportion.

Garlic water requirements

Water the crop to the full root depth and the soil should remain moist though 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 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 reuire 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.