Garlic Growing Tips for Beginners: Simple, Practical Advice for Those New to Garlic Gardening

June 11, 2024 Bill Hageman

Garlic, known for its robust flavor, is a rewarding crop to grow in your garden. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced green thumb, garlic offers a relatively easy entry into vegetable gardening, especially when you adhere to organic practices. This guide provides simple, practical advice for beginners, ensuring a bountiful and healthy harvest. Additionally, we will cover common mistakes to avoid to set you on the path to success.

Why Grow Your Own Garlic

Growing your own garlic offers numerous benefits for both novice and experienced gardeners. When you plant garlic, you have the opportunity to enjoy fresh garlic that is far superior in taste and quality compared to store-bought options.

By starting with garlic bulbs and carefully planting garlic cloves, you can select from a variety of types, including softneck garlic, which is known for its longer storage life. As you nurture your garlic plants, you'll be able to experience the joy of a garlic harvest and the unique flavor of garlic scapes. Furthermore, growing garlic allows you to cure garlic properly, ensuring it stays fresh for months.

Benefits of Homegrown Garlic

Homegrown garlic offers numerous benefits to home gardeners. When you plant garlic cloves, either hardneck or softneck garlic, elephant garlic, or other garlic varieties, you ensure a sustainable source of this versatile herb. Growing garlic enriches the soil with nutrients, making it beneficial for other vegetables in crop rotation.

Harvesting garlic provides fresh bulbs with robust flavors that surpass store-bought options. Additionally, garlic plants are relatively low-maintenance and can deter certain pests due to their pungent aroma. Varieties of garlic, such as hardneck and softneck, offer different flavors and adaptability to various climates, enhancing culinary experiences and garden diversity.

Overall, homegrown garlic not only supports self-sufficiency but also promotes healthier eating habits and a greener lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Garlic Variety

Garlic comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck varieties are more suited to colder climates and produce scapes (flower stalks), which are edible. Softneck varieties are better for warmer climates and have a longer shelf life.

Hardneck Garlic: Varieties like Rocambole and Porcelain thrive in colder climates and are known for their rich flavor.
Softneck Garlic: Varieties such as Artichoke and Silverskin are more heat-tolerant and store well for long periods.

For beginners, it’s often advisable to try both types to see which performs best in your specific growing conditions.

Preparing the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Organic practices emphasize the importance of soil health, which is crucial for a successful garlic crop.

Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Garlic prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amending the Soil: Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Garlic is a heavy feeder, so enriching the soil before planting is essential.
Drainage: Ensure good drainage by planting in raised beds if necessary. Garlic does not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Planting Garlic

The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the cloves to establish roots before winter.

Selecting Seed Garlic: Purchase seed garlic from reputable sources rather than using grocery store garlic, which may be treated with growth inhibitors.
Breaking Bulbs: Carefully separate the cloves from the bulb just before planting, leaving the papery husk intact.
Spacing: Plant each clove with the pointed end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Rows should be spaced about 12 inches apart.
Mulching: Cover the planting area with a thick layer of organic mulch such as straw or shredded leaves to protect the garlic from harsh winter conditions and suppress weeds.

Watering and Fertilizing

Garlic requires consistent moisture but not overwatering. Proper watering and fertilizing are key to healthy growth.

Watering: Water deeply once a week if there is no rainfall. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature and stop watering altogether a few weeks before harvest to allow the bulbs to cure in the ground.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea in the spring when growth resumes. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Garlic is relatively pest-resistant, but certain issues can still arise. Organic practices focus on prevention and natural control methods.

Pest Control: The most common pests include onion maggots, nematodes, and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants and practice crop rotation to prevent pest buildup.
Disease Prevention: Fungal diseases such as white rot and downy mildew can affect garlic. Ensure proper spacing and good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections. If diseases occur, remove and destroy infected plants immediately.
Companion Planting: Planting garlic near plants like tomatoes, peppers, and carrots can help deter pests due to garlic’s strong odor.

Harvesting and Curing

Knowing when and how to harvest garlic is crucial for achieving the best flavor and storage life.

Timing: Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to dry, typically in late spring or early summer. Don’t wait until all the leaves are brown, as this can indicate over-mature bulbs that won’t store well.
Harvesting: Loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork and gently lift them out. Avoid pulling the garlic by the stems, as this can damage the bulbs.
Curing: Lay the garlic out in a single layer in a well-ventilated, shady area to cure for 2-3 weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and stems, and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.

How to Harvest Garlic Using Tools and Techniques

To harvest garlic successfully, begin by identifying when to harvest based on the garlic bulb's size and foliage. Once the lower leaves have turned yellow and dried, use a garden fork or trowel to carefully loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs in the garden bed with well-drained soil.

Gently lift the garlic bulbs, ensuring the soil remains intact around the roots. Shake off excess soil, but avoid washing the garlic heads to prevent moisture buildup. Next, trim the roots and remove any excess soil clumps using pruning shears.

Finally, allow the harvested garlic to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks before storing in a cool, dark place for long-term preservation. Properly harvested garlic ensures optimal flavor and storage longevity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly enhance your garlic growing experience.

Planting Store-Bought Garlic: As mentioned, grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases.
Planting Too Late or Too Early: Timing is crucial. Plant too early, and your garlic may sprout prematurely. Plant too late, and the roots may not establish before winter.
Overcrowding: Give your garlic enough space to grow. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and are more susceptible to disease.
Ignoring Soil Health: Neglecting to test and amend your soil can lead to poor growth and reduced yields. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garlic crop.
Overwatering: Garlic needs consistent moisture but can easily succumb to rot if overwatered. Always check soil moisture levels before watering.
Harvesting Too Late: Leaving garlic in the ground too long can lead to split bulbs that don’t store well. Monitor your plants closely as harvest time approaches.

Advanced Tips for Enthusiastic Beginners

For those who quickly find themselves bitten by the garlic-growing bug, here are a few advanced tips to take your garlic gardening to the next level.

Growing from Bulbils: Hardneck garlic produces scapes with small bulbils. Planting these bulbils can eventually produce full-sized bulbs, though it takes a couple of years.
Saving Your Own Seed Garlic: Select the largest, healthiest bulbs from your harvest to replant in the fall. Over time, this practice can lead to garlic that is well adapted to your specific growing conditions.
Experimenting with Varieties: Try growing different varieties each year to discover which ones you prefer and which grow best in your garden.

Embracing Organic Practices

Organic gardening principles are essential for sustainable and healthy garlic growing. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on soil health and natural pest management, you can grow garlic that is both delicious and environmentally friendly.

Compost and Organic Matter: Regularly add compost and organic matter to your soil to maintain fertility and structure.
Cover Crops: Use cover crops such as clover or rye to enrich the soil and suppress weeds during the off-season.
Natural Pest Control: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to help control pests. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as organic treatments if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best practices, issues can arise. Here are some common problems and how to address them organically.

Yellowing Leaves: This can indicate nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. Test your soil and adjust fertilization or watering practices accordingly.
Small Bulbs: Small bulbs often result from planting cloves that are too small, overcrowding, or insufficient nutrients. Ensure you plant large, healthy cloves and provide ample space and nutrition.
Bulb Rot: Rotting bulbs are usually due to waterlogged soil or fungal diseases. Improve drainage, avoid overhead watering, and practice crop rotation to prevent recurrence.

Growing garlic can be a gratifying experience, providing you with fresh, flavorful bulbs for your kitchen and a sense of accomplishment in your gardening endeavors. By following the simple, practical advice outlined in this guide and embracing organic practices, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy a successful garlic harvest. Whether you are planting your first cloves or looking to improve your garlic-growing skills, these tips will help you cultivate healthy, robust garlic plants.

Remember, gardening is as much about learning and adapting as it is about following guidelines. Each growing season offers new lessons and opportunities to refine your techniques.

Enjoy our Seed Garlic for sale. We have multiple varieties available.

Garlic Growing Tips for Beginners: FAQs

What is the best time to plant garlic?
- Garlic is typically planted in the fall before the ground freezes, or in early spring for warm climates. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter or the heat of summer.
How do you plant garlic bulbs?
- Separate garlic bulbs into cloves and plant each clove with the pointed end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows.
What are hardneck and softneck garlic varieties?
- Hardneck garlic tends to have larger cloves and produces a flower shoot (scape), while softneck varieties have smaller cloves and store longer. Choose based on your climate and taste preferences.
When is garlic ready to harvest?
- Garlic is typically ready for harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to dry out, usually in mid-summer. Dig carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs.
How do you know when garlic is dry enough to store?
- After harvesting, allow garlic bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight until the outer skins are dry and papery.
What pests and diseases affect garlic?
- Common pests include aphids and nematodes, while diseases such as white rot fungus can be problematic. Use organic methods like white sticky traps and rotate crops to minimize issues.
Can garlic be grown in raised beds?
- Yes, garlic thrives in well-draining garden soil enriched with compost or aged chicken manure. Raised beds are ideal as they provide good drainage and aeration.
Are there any specific care tips for garlic in warm climates?
- In warm climates, choose soft neck varieties and ensure garlic plants receive full sun. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
How should garlic be fertilized?
- Before planting, amend garden soil with compost or organic fertilizers like fish meal. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can delay bulb formation.
What should be done with garlic scapes?
- Remove garlic scapes when they curl to encourage bulb growth. They can be used in cooking, offering a mild garlic flavor.

Here are three informative articles from university extensions about growing garlic:

University of Minnesota Extension provides a comprehensive guide on growing garlic in home gardens. The article covers selecting appropriate garlic varieties, soil preparation, planting techniques, and ongoing care. It emphasizes the importance of planting garlic in the fall, just after the first frost, and using mulch to protect against fluctuating temperatures. Key care tips include proper watering, controlling weeds, and ensuring adequate fertilization without excess phosphorus. Harvesting should be done when the lower leaves turn brown, with bulbs cured in a warm, dry place for several weeks. For more details, visit Growing Garlic in Home Gardens | UMN Extension.
South Dakota State University Extension discusses the process of growing garlic from site selection and soil preparation to planting and care. It highlights the differences between softneck and hardneck varieties, with softneck types being better for long-term storage. The article advises planting garlic cloves in the fall and using mulch to protect the plants during winter. It also covers the importance of regular watering and nutrient management, with specific recommendations for fertilization and weed control. To read more, visit Garlic: How to Grow It | SDSU Extension.
Utah State University Extension provides a detailed guide on growing garlic, emphasizing the need for well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The article advises planting garlic cloves in the fall and using mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. It also covers proper watering techniques, nutrient management, and common pest and disease issues, along with harvesting and storage tips. Proper curing of garlic bulbs is crucial to ensure long-term storage. For further information, visit How to Grow Garlic in Your Garden | USU Extension.