Fall Garlic Planting 101: Best Soil for Garlic and the Top Organic Fertilizer for Garlic in Fall

How to Plant Garlic in Fall: A Complete Guide for Organic Gardeners

Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic, setting the stage for a flavorful harvest the following summer. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understanding the right techniques for preparing soil, choosing varieties, and caring for garlic through the seasons can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the essentials of planting garlic in the fall—using organic practices—to ensure strong growth, resistance to pests, and bold, aromatic bulbs.

In this guide, you'll learn the essential steps to growing garlic organically—from building healthy soil and choosing the right fertilizer to mulching, managing pests, and picking the best hardneck or softneck varieties. Let’s dig in and get your garlic off to a great start this fall.

Steps For Fall Garlic Planting

Add Organic Matter

To give garlic a strong start, enrich your soil with plenty of organic matter. Several weeks before planting, incorporate compost or cover crops like buckwheat or cowpeas. These green manures decompose quickly, improving soil structure and boosting phosphorus availability—critical for healthy root development.

A reliable way to build soil fertility before fall planting is by using a Summer Soil Builder Mix, which is specially blended to restore organic content and prepare beds for root crops like garlic.

Apply the Right Fertilizer

Garlic doesn’t need heavy nitrogen early on. In the fall, focus on soil amendments rich in phosphorus and potassium to support root establishment. Choose natural sources like:

• Bone meal - A long-lasting phosphorus source
• Soft rock phosphate - Slow-release phosphorus for sustained root growth
• Seabird or bat guano - Boosts phosphorus and trace minerals
• E.B. Stone 0-10-10 - A potassium-rich organic fertilizer

These inputs encourage strong root systems before the winter chill sets in.

For a more detailed breakdown of seasonal fertilizing strategies, refer to our Garlic Winter Care Guide.

Mulch for Insulation and Weed Suppression

Once cloves are planted, apply a 4–6 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or chopped leaves.

Mulch regulates soil temperature, reduces frost heaving during winter, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. This step is especially important in regions with freezing winters.

Garlic Varieties: Hardneck vs. Softneck

Selecting the right garlic type depends on your climate, storage needs, and flavor preferences. Not sure what your growing zone is? Find out easily by visiting What Is My Growing Zone to help you choose the best garlic variety for your area.

Hardneck Garlic

Best suited for colder climates, hardneck varieties produce flowering scapes and typically have a more complex flavor. They’re ideal for gardeners in northern zones.

Explore our curated selection of Hardneck Seed Garlic for diverse flavors and regional adaptability.

Softneck Garlic

If you live in a milder climate and prefer garlic with longer storage life, softneck is a great choice. These bulbs contain more cloves per head and are the variety most often braided.

Browse our range of Softneck Seed Garlic, perfect for pantry storage and culinary versatility.

Elephant Garlic

Technically a leek, elephant garlic offers a milder flavor and is known for its impressively large cloves. It also produces tall, showy flower stalks.

Take a look at our Elephant Garlic if you're looking to grow a milder, beginner-friendly garlic type.

Still unsure which garlic variety to choose? Our guide on Differences Between Garlic Types breaks it all down for easy decision-making.

Fertilizing Garlic: Fall and Spring Nutrient Strategy

Your fertilization approach should shift with the seasons. In the fall, phosphorus and potassium should be the priority. Suitable products include:

• Bio-Fish All-Purpose 7-7-2 – A balanced fertilizer with organic matter for early root and shoot development.
• Calphos Soft Rock Phosphate – A slow-release phosphorus source essential for strong root growth.

As spring growth accelerates, garlic benefits from a boost in nitrogen. Top-dress with:

• Phyta-Grow Leafy Green Special 7-1-2 – A liquid organic fertilizer ideal for leafy expansion.
• Fish meal – A potent source of slow-releasing nitrogen to fuel bulb formation.

Pest and Disease Management

Garlic is relatively low maintenance, but it can still fall victim to several pests and diseases.

Common pests:

• Onion maggots
• Aphids
• Nematodes

Diseases to watch for:

• White rot
• Rust

Protect your garlic by:

• Practicing annual crop rotation to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
• Maintaining well-drained, weed-free beds to reduce fungal pressure.
• Inspecting plants regularly for early signs of issues.
• Using natural and organic pesticides to manage pests safely and effectively. Explore our selection of Natural and Organic Pesticides for safe garlic care.

For a comprehensive guide to managing garlic health issues, visit our article on Garlic Pests and Diseases: Identification and Control.

Final Tips for Planting Garlic in Fall

• Timing: Plant garlic 4–6 weeks before your region’s first expected hard frost
• Spacing: Cloves should be spaced 4–6 inches apart in rows 8–12 inches apart
• Depth: Plant cloves 1–2 inches deep, with the pointed side up
• Watering: Water deeply at planting, then keep the soil slightly moist, not soggy
• Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch to insulate and suppress weeds
  

For even more insights into growing garlic organically, explore our Introduction to Growing Garlic and browse our Garlic Growing Collection.

Conclusion: Set the Stage for a Great Garlic Harvest

Planting garlic in the fall is one of the simplest and most rewarding garden tasks. With the right organic practices—like adding compost, selecting the right garlic type for your climate, and providing seasonal nutrition—you’ll be on your way to harvesting plump, flavorful bulbs by summer.

Whether you're growing hardneck garlic for its bold taste, softneck for pantry storage, or elephant garlic for fun and flair, following these tips will help you get the most from your garlic patch. For more expert tips and quality organic seed garlic, visit our Garlic Growing Collection.

FAQ: Fall Garlic Planting

• When should I plant garlic in the fall?
  • Plant garlic about 4–6 weeks before your area’s first hard frost. This gives roots time to establish before winter dormancy.
• What type of garlic grows best in cold climates?
  • Hardneck garlic is ideal for colder regions because it survives deep freezes and produces robust bulbs with rich flavor.
• Should I fertilize garlic right after planting?
  • Yes, but choose low-nitrogen amendments in fall—focus on phosphorus and potassium. Save high-nitrogen feeds for spring when green growth resumes.
• Can I grow garlic without mulch?
  • It’s not recommended. Mulching helps insulate the soil, prevents frost heaving, retains moisture, and suppresses winter weeds.
• How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest?
  • In late spring to early summer, when about half the leaves have turned yellow, it’s time to harvest. Be gentle during lifting to avoid bruising bulbs.
• Where can I learn more about planting garlic and other organic crops?
  • Check out our Garlic Resource Hub for expert videos, seasonal tips, and seed garlic options.