A perennial garlic ground cover for the permaculture pond

Using garlic as a ground cover around a permaculture pond can be a great idea, as garlic has several beneficial properties. It can help deter some pests, improve soil health, and provide a useful culinary herb. Here’s how you can establish a perennial garlic ground cover around your permaculture pond:

1. Select the Right Garlic Variety: Choose a hardy and perennial garlic variety, such as “Egyptian Walking Onions” (Allium proliferum). These varieties produce small bulbs on top of tall stalks, and they continue to multiply each year.
2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil around your pond is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Garlic prefers well-amended, loose soil. You may need to improve the soil quality by adding compost or organic matter.
3. Plant the Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in the fall, preferably a few weeks before the first frost. Plant the cloves about 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows or clusters.
4. Mulch: Mulch the area with organic mulch, such as straw or leaves, to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Watering: Keep the garlic consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to encourage good bulb development.
6. Harvesting: Garlic greens can be harvested in the spring and early summer. Allow some of the bulbs to mature and form new bulbs on top of their stalks. These can be harvested in late summer or early fall.
7. Division: As the garlic grows, it will produce new bulbs, and it may become overcrowded. You can divide the clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth. Simply lift the bulbs, separate them, and replant.
8. Companion Planting: Consider planting other pond-friendly plants alongside your garlic, such as water-loving herbs like watercress or mint. This can create a diverse and beneficial plant community around the pond.
9. Care for Your Pond: Ensure that your pond is well-maintained, with clear water and a healthy ecosystem. This will support the overall health of your plants, including the garlic.
10. Pest Control: Garlic can help deter some pests due to its strong scent. However, you should still monitor your pond garden for any potential pest issues and take appropriate action if necessary.

Remember that garlic can spread and become invasive in some situations, so it’s essential to manage it to prevent it from overtaking the entire area around your pond. However, with proper care and management, it can be a useful and attractive perennial ground cover in your permaculture garden.