How to Transplant Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is a common plant found throughout North America. In many instances, this plant is thought of as a weed. The small bulbs grow in well-drained soils, and can tolerate all types of sunlight conditions, but they prefer full sunlight. The thin, chive-like leaves have the distinct flavor and odor of onions. Propagation of the plant is through the small seeds and the underground bulbs. The best time to dig these plants for transplanting is September to March, when the weather is cool and the soil moist.

• 1

  Remove the wild garlic from its current location by digging it from the soil. Exercise caution so you don't disturb or damage the small bulbs and roots. It's better to dig the small bulbs in one large clump of dirt, then carefully shake the excess soil from around the bulbs.

• 2

  Prepare the new growing bed by cultivating the soil with a rototiller. Work the tines as deep as possible, at least 6 to 8 inches. Remove excess vegetation, roots and rocks with a garden rake.

• 3

  Layer 2 to 3 inches of organic compost over the cultivated soil. Rototill and incorporate the material into the ground.

• 4

  Plant the individual bulbs 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart. Place the bulbs in a grid-like pattern and fill the bed evenly.

• 5

  Water the newly transplanted bulbs with a garden hose. The water will remove air from around the bulb roots and increase soil contact.

• 6

  Mulch over the bulbs with 3 to 4 inches of leaves. The leaves' decomposition provides the required nitrogen, retards weed growth, and retains moisture.