Planting Garlic: When and How to Get It Right

Garlic is a staple in kitchens around the world, prized for its robust flavor and versatility in culinary applications. For gardeners, it's a relatively easy crop to grow, especially when following organic practices. This guide will provide detailed instructions on the best time to plant garlic and step-by-step planting techniques to ensure a bountiful harvest. We will focus on organic methods to help you cultivate garlic sustainably and healthily.

Why Planting Garlic Properly Matters

Planting garlic cloves properly is crucial for achieving robust garlic plants and high-quality garlic bulbs. When you plant garlic cloves in well-prepared garlic beds, you set the stage for healthy growth, whether you're cultivating hardneck garlic, softneck garlic, or elephant garlic.

Fall planted garlic tends to produce the best results, allowing the garlic cloves to establish roots before winter, which leads to vigorous garlic plants come spring. Properly planted garlic will yield garlic scapes, which can be harvested and enjoyed before the garlic bulbs mature.

Ensuring that garlic leaves receive adequate sunlight and nutrients helps in growing true garlic that can be used as fresh garlic or stored garlic. By following proper planting techniques, you can successfully grow garlic from garlic seed or cloves, ensuring a plentiful harvest of fresh and flavorful garlic bulbs.

Overview of Garlic Planting Techniques

Planting garlic involves several key techniques to ensure a successful harvest of homegrown garlic. Garlic is often planted in the fall, allowing it to establish roots before winter, which is particularly beneficial in cold climates.

Begin by selecting healthy cloves from a head of garlic, as these will develop into robust garlic plants. It's possible to plant store-bought garlic, but traditional garlic varieties are often more reliable. Prepare your garden soil by checking the soil pH and enriching it with organic matter like fish meal. In warmer climates, proper soil preparation is crucial to ensure the garlic leaves thrive.

During growth, you'll see garlic scapes, the flowering stalks that appear in early summer, which should be removed to encourage the development of larger bulbs. Whether you use raw garlic or store garlic, planting techniques are vital for producing flavorful and abundant garlic harvests.

Best Time to Plant Garlic

Understanding Garlic Types

Before diving into the planting schedule, it’s essential to understand the two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.

• Hardneck Garlic: Known for its strong flavor and the presence of a flower stalk (scape). It is better suited for colder climates and typically produces fewer, but larger cloves. This type of garlic is ideal for gardeners in northern regions who can provide the required cold conditions during winter.

• Softneck Garlic: Typically has a milder flavor and is more adaptable to various climates, including warmer regions. Softneck garlic usually produces more cloves per bulb and is known for its longer storage life. It’s a good choice for those in southern climates or areas with milder winters.

Varietal Characteristics and Preferences

The best time to plant garlic depends on the varietal characteristics and preferences of softneck and hardneck garlic. Hardneck garlic varieties are typically planted in the fall, as they require a period of cold to develop their intense flavor.

These varieties, favored by many home gardeners, often have a shorter storage life but are known for their rich taste. In contrast, softneck garlic, which includes most commercial garlic, can be planted in both fall and spring.

Softneck garlic grows well in warmer climates and is known for its mild flavor and longer storage life. Whether you prefer the intense flavor of hardneck garlic or the mild flavor of softneck garlic, timing your planting correctly is essential for optimal growth and yield.

Planting Seasons

Garlic is typically planted in the fall, but the exact timing can vary based on your region’s climate.

1. Fall Planting: The most common and recommended time to plant garlic is in the fall. This allows the garlic to establish roots before winter and take advantage of the cool weather in early spring.

   • Northern Climates: Plant garlic 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, usually in late September to early November. This timing ensures the cloves can develop strong root systems before the onset of freezing temperatures, which helps them survive the winter.
   • Southern Climates: In warmer regions where the ground doesn’t freeze, plant garlic in late October to December. This schedule helps the garlic cloves to avoid the peak of summer heat and ensures a cooler growing period.

2. Spring Planting: While less common, spring planting is an option for those who missed the fall window. However, garlic planted in the spring may not yield as large of bulbs and will require more careful management.

   • Spring Planting Timeline: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked, typically in March or April. Spring-planted garlic requires consistent monitoring to ensure it has enough time to mature before the hot summer months.

Step-by-Step Planting Techniques

Selecting Seed Garlic

Choose high-quality seed garlic from a reputable source. Avoid using garlic from grocery stores as it may be treated to prevent sprouting and may not be suitable for your growing conditions.

1. Variety Selection: Choose varieties suited to your climate. For colder regions, opt for hardneck varieties like ‘Rocambole’ or ‘Purple Stripe.’ These types are more winter-hardy and can tolerate colder temperatures. For warmer areas, softneck varieties like ‘Silverskin’ or ‘Artichoke’ are ideal due to their adaptability to milder winters and hotter summers.
2. Organic Seed Garlic: Ensure your seed garlic is certified organic to maintain organic gardening practices. Organic seed garlic is free from chemical treatments and supports a healthier ecosystem.

Preparing the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

1. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil as necessary. Soil testing can be done through local extension services or using at-home kits, and it helps identify deficiencies that can be corrected before planting.
2. Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Adding organic matter increases the soil’s nutrient content and enhances its structure, promoting healthy root growth.
3. Bed Preparation: Prepare raised beds or rows, ensuring the soil is loose and friable to allow for good root development. Raised beds can improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging, which is crucial for garlic.

Planting the Cloves

Garlic is grown from individual cloves, each of which will develop into a new bulb.

1. Clove Preparation:

   • Break the garlic bulbs into individual cloves a day or two before planting. This process, known as “cracking,” helps ensure that each clove is fresh and ready to grow.
   • Select the largest cloves for planting as they will produce the most robust plants. Larger cloves have more stored energy, which helps them establish quickly.
   • Leave the papery husk on each clove to protect it from pests and diseases. The husk acts as a natural barrier, safeguarding the clove during the initial stages of growth.

2. Planting Depth and Spacing:

   • Depth: Plant cloves with the pointed end up, 2-3 inches deep. Planting at this depth helps protect the cloves from temperature fluctuations and physical damage.
   • Spacing: Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows, with rows 12-18 inches apart. Proper spacing ensures each plant has enough room to grow without competing for nutrients and water.

3. Mulching:

   • Mulch Thickness: Apply a thick layer (4-6 inches) of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings, to insulate the cloves, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Mulch helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels, creating a stable environment for garlic growth.
   • Maintenance: Replenish mulch as needed throughout the growing season. As the mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil, further enhancing fertility.

Caring for Your Garlic

Proper care throughout the growing season is crucial for a successful garlic harvest.

1. Watering:

   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in spring when the plants are actively growing.
   • Reduce watering as the plants mature, particularly in the weeks leading up to harvest to prevent bulb rot. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly helps harden the bulbs and prepares them for storage.

2. Fertilization:

   • Organic Fertilizers: Use organic fertilizers such as compost tea, fish emulsion, or a balanced organic granular fertilizer. These fertilizers provide essential nutrients without harming the soil ecosystem.
   • Application Timing: Apply fertilizer at planting and again in early spring as growth resumes. Regular feeding supports vigorous plant growth and helps develop large, healthy bulbs.

3. Weed Control:

   • Maintain weed-free beds by hand-pulling or using an organic mulch to suppress weeds. Weeds compete with garlic for nutrients and water, so keeping the beds clean is essential for optimal growth.
   • Avoid disturbing the garlic’s shallow root system when weeding. Be gentle when removing weeds to prevent damaging the garlic plants.

4. Pest and Disease Management:

   • Practice crop rotation, avoiding planting garlic in the same spot more than once every 3-4 years. Crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles, reducing the likelihood of infestations.
   • Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases, such as onion maggots or fungal infections. Early detection allows for prompt action, preventing widespread damage.
   • Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth, if necessary. These treatments are effective yet gentle on the environment.

Harvesting and Curing

Harvesting garlic at the right time and curing it properly are essential for long-term storage.

1. Harvest Timing:

   • Visual Cues: Harvest garlic when the lower leaves start to turn brown, but 5-6 green leaves remain. This typically occurs in late June to early August, depending on your planting time and variety. The remaining green leaves indicate that the bulbs are still receiving nutrients from the plant.
   • Checking Bulbs: Gently dig up a few bulbs to check for maturity. The bulbs should be well-formed with a distinct papery wrapper. Immature bulbs may not store well, so ensure they are fully developed.

2. Harvesting Technique:

   • Use a garden fork to carefully lift the bulbs from the soil, being mindful not to damage them. Damaged bulbs are more susceptible to rot and should be used first.
   • Brush off excess soil, but do not wash the bulbs. Washing can introduce moisture, leading to rot during storage.

3. Curing Process:

   • Drying Environment: Cure garlic in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn on the bulbs. A garage, shed, or covered porch can work well for curing.
   • Curing Duration: Hang garlic in bunches or lay it out on screens for 2-4 weeks, until the outer wrappers are dry and papery. Proper curing ensures the bulbs are ready for long-term storage.
   • Storage Preparation: Trim the roots and cut the stems to about an inch above the bulb. Store cured garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place. Ideal storage conditions extend the shelf life of garlic, allowing you to enjoy your harvest for months.

Organic Practices for Garlic Growing

Adhering to organic gardening principles ensures a healthier crop and environment. Here are some key organic practices to follow:

1. Soil Health:

   • Regularly amend soil with organic matter. Compost and manure add essential nutrients and improve soil structure, fostering healthy root systems.
   • Use cover crops and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and structure. Cover crops such as clover or rye can add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

2. Natural Fertilizers:

   • Opt for compost, manure, and organic fertilizers to nourish your garlic plants. These natural fertilizers release nutrients slowly, ensuring a steady supply throughout the growing season.
   • Avoid synthetic fertilizers that can disrupt soil ecology. Synthetic options often contain chemicals that can harm beneficial soil organisms and reduce biodiversity.

3. Pest Management:

   • Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants such as marigolds and nasturtiums. These plants attract predators that feed on common garlic pests.
   • Use physical barriers like row covers to protect young plants from pests. Row covers can prevent insects from reaching your plants while allowing sunlight and rain to penetrate.

4. Disease Prevention:

   • Plant disease-resistant garlic varieties. Selecting resistant varieties can significantly reduce the risk of disease.
   • Ensure proper spacing and air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Good air circulation helps keep foliage dry, reducing the likelihood of diseases such as white rot.

5. Sustainable Watering:

   • Implement drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing water waste and foliage wetness. Efficient watering systems help conserve water and prevent disease by keeping leaves dry.

Troubleshooting Common Garlic Growing Problems

Despite best efforts, you may encounter challenges when growing garlic. Here are solutions to common issues:

1. Yellowing Leaves:

   • Causes: Could be due to nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pests. Yellow leaves can also indicate stress from environmental factors.
   • Solutions: Conduct a soil test to check nutrient levels, adjust watering practices, and inspect for pest activity. Address any deficiencies with appropriate organic fertilizers and ensure proper watering.

2. Small Bulbs:

   • Causes: Often the result of planting too late, inadequate spacing, or poor soil fertility. Small bulbs can also result from insufficient sunlight or water.
   • Solutions: Follow recommended planting times, ensure proper spacing, and enrich soil with organic matter and fertilizers. Ensure your garlic receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.

3. Rotting Bulbs:

   • Causes: Excessive moisture or poor drainage. Bulbs can also rot if planted too deeply or if the soil is too heavy.
   • Solutions: Improve soil drainage, reduce watering as plants mature, and avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soils. Raised beds or well-amended soil can help prevent waterlogging.

4. Garlic Pests:

   • Common Pests: Onion maggots, aphids, and nematodes can affect garlic plants. These pests can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and bulb damage.
   • Solutions: Use organic pest control methods, practice crop rotation, and maintain garden hygiene to reduce pest pressure. Introducing beneficial nematodes and using traps can help manage pest populations.

Planting garlic successfully involves careful timing, proper soil preparation, and attentive care throughout the growing season. By following these detailed instructions and adhering to organic practices, you can enjoy a healthy and abundant garlic harvest. Remember to select the right garlic variety for your climate, prepare your soil with organic matter, plant at the appropriate depth and spacing, and maintain consistent care with watering, fertilization, and pest management. With these steps, your garlic crop will thrive, providing you with flavorful bulbs that can be stored and enjoyed for months to come.

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

FAQs: Planting Garlic - When and How to Get It Right

Q1: When is the best time to plant garlic cloves?

• Garlic cloves should be planted in the fall for most regions. This allows the garlic to establish roots before winter and sprout early in spring.

Q2: Can I plant store garlic?

• Yes, you can plant store garlic, but it's often better to use seed garlic or garlic from a local nursery to ensure it’s suited for your climate and free from growth inhibitors.

Q3: How do I prepare my garden bed for planting cloves?

• Enrich the soil with organic matter such as chicken manure, and ensure good drainage. Garlic thrives in well-prepared soil with proper nutrients.

Q4: What are garlic scapes, and should I remove them?

• Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks of hard neck garlic. Removing them encourages the plant to focus energy on developing larger garlic heads.

Q5: Is elephant garlic different from regular garlic?

• Yes, elephant garlic is actually closer to the onion family and produces much larger cloves with a milder flavor than true garlic.

Q6: How much should I water garlic plants?

• Water garlic regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Consistent moisture is key until harvest time.

Q7: Can I grow my own garlic from raw garlic heads?

• Yes, you can plant raw garlic heads, but choose healthy, disease-free bulbs with larger cloves for better results.

Q8: Are there any special considerations for growing garlic in extremely cold hardy regions?

• In extremely cold hardy regions, mulch heavily after planting in the fall to protect the cloves over winter.

Q9: What is the difference between hard neck garlic and soft neck garlic?

• Hard neck garlic produces garlic scapes and has a more intense flavor, while soft neck garlic has smaller cloves, longer storage life, and does not produce scapes.

Q10: When is garlic harvest time, and how do I know it's ready?

• Garlic is usually ready to harvest in early summer when the lower leaves begin to brown. Avoid waiting too long, or the bulbs may split.

Read More

1. University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Garlic in Home Gardens This article covers the essentials of growing garlic, including the ideal soil conditions (well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0) and planting times (one to two weeks after the first killing frost in the fall). It emphasizes the importance of proper soil preparation, including the incorporation of organic matter and appropriate fertilizers. The guide also provides detailed steps for planting, mulching, watering, and weed control to ensure healthy garlic growth. Finally, it offers tips for harvesting and curing garlic to maximize bulb quality. For more detailed information, you can read the full article here.

2. Penn State Extension: Growing Garlic - Fall Planting This resource highlights the best practices for planting garlic in the fall, ensuring the cloves develop roots before winter without emerging above ground. It recommends using locally sourced garlic cloves for planting and provides guidelines on soil preparation, planting depth, spacing, and mulching. The article also covers watering needs, pest management, and the signs of readiness for harvest. Post-harvest steps include curing the bulbs in a cool, airy place to enhance storage life. You can find the detailed guide here.

3. Illinois Extension: How to Grow Garlic Illinois Extension offers a comprehensive guide on growing garlic, focusing on the timing of planting (6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes) to ensure proper cold exposure. The article explains the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic varieties and their specific planting requirements. It also discusses soil preparation, including the addition of compost and fertilizer, and provides practical advice on watering, mulching, and weed control. The guide includes detailed instructions on harvesting and curing garlic to ensure long-term storage. More details can be found here.