Fall Garlic Planting Guide: Best Soil for Garlic and Fertilizer for Garlic Plants When Planting Garlic in Fall

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

Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops for organic gardeners. Planting garlic in fall gives the bulbs a head start, leading to larger heads, stronger plants, and a flavorful harvest the following summer. If you’ve ever wondered how to plant garlic in fall, what the best soil for garlic is, or which fertilizer for garlic plants works best, this guide will walk you through every step.

With the right soil preparation, organic fertilizer strategy, and choice of varieties, your garlic patch can thrive all season long.

Why Planting Garlic in Fall Matters

Fall garlic planting is the traditional method for most climates. Planting garlic in fall allows cloves to establish roots before winter dormancy. By early spring, when soil temperatures warm, garlic plants already have a strong foundation and take off quickly.

Garlic grows best in cool weather, and fall planting matches its natural growing season. While spring planting is possible in some regions, fall planting almost always results in bigger, healthier garlic bulbs.

Preparing Soil for Garlic

The first step in fall garlic planting is creating the best soil for growing garlic. Garlic thrives in loose, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Clay-heavy soils that stay wet can cause bulbs to rot, while sandy soils without added compost may not hold enough nutrients.

• Add organic matter: Several weeks before planting, work compost or a Summer Soil Builder Mix into your beds. Cover crops like buckwheat or cowpeas add organic matter and improve soil structure.
• Drainage matters: Garlic prefers draining soil. If your soil stays soggy, plant the garlic in raised beds to keep bulbs dry.
• Soil temperature: Plant when soil temperature is between 50–60°F (10–15°C). This range encourages root growth before the ground freezes.

Building rich, living soil now sets garlic plants up for success in the growing season ahead.

Fertilizer for Garlic in Fall

Garlic needs different nutrients at different stages. In fall, the focus is on root establishment, not leafy growth. That means fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium are ideal.

Organic options include:

• Bone meal – Provides long-lasting phosphorus.
• Calphos Soft Rock Phosphate – Slow-release phosphorus for steady root growth.
• Bat guano – Adds phosphorus plus trace minerals.
• Ultra Bloom 0-10-10 – Supplies potassium for early plant health.

In early spring, when garlic plants send up green shoots, it’s time to fertilize garlic with nitrogen sources. Options include Bio-Fish All-Purpose 7-7-2, Phyta-Grow Leafy Green Special 7-1-2, and fish meal. This seasonal strategy keeps garlic growing strong from fall through harvest.

For more details on fertilizing through the seasons, see how to care for garlic over the winter.

Mulching Garlic for Winter Protection

After you plant the garlic, cover the bed with 4–6 inches of organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. Mulch insulates the soil, prevents frost heaving, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. In cold climates, mulching is essential for protecting garlic bulbs through winter.

Choosing the Right Type of Garlic

There are three main types of garlic to choose from. The right choice depends on your climate, flavor preference, and storage needs.

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck varieties thrive in cold climates. They send up a flowering stalk called a scape, which can be harvested and eaten. Hardneck garlic produces fewer but larger cloves with rich, complex flavors.

Softneck Garlic

Softneck varieties do well in milder climates and are the type of garlic most often found in grocery stores. They store garlic longer—sometimes up to a year—and produce more cloves per bulb. Softneck bulbs are also easy to braid for pantry storage.

Elephant Garlic

Though technically a leek, elephant garlic produces enormous cloves with a mild flavor. It’s a fun crop for beginners and makes a bold statement in the garden.

Still unsure which type of garlic fits your area? Visit the Garlic Selector Tool or check What Is My Growing Zone to match varieties to your climate.

For a deeper comparison, see our guide on the differences between softneck and hardneck varieties.

Planting Garlic Step by Step

Here’s how to plant garlic in fall for the best results:

1. Timing – Plant garlic 4–6 weeks before your region’s first hard frost.
2. Separate cloves – Break apart bulbs of true garlic just before planting. Do not peel garlic cloves; keep the papery skins intact.
3. Spacing – Plant cloves 4–6 inches apart in rows spaced 8–12 inches apart.
4. Depth – Place each clove 1–2 inches deep, pointed side up.
5. Watering – Water deeply after planting. Maintain slightly moist but not soggy soil. Consider using soaker hoses for sale to deliver water directly to the roots.
6. Mulch – Cover the bed with organic mulch for winter insulation.

With these simple steps, you’ll set your garlic plants up for a strong growing season.

Pest and Disease Management

Garlic is relatively resilient but not immune to problems. Common pests include onion maggots, aphids, and nematodes. Diseases such as white rot and rust may also appear.

Prevent issues by rotating crops yearly, planting in well-drained soil, and keeping beds weed-free. If needed, explore natural and organic pesticides for safe control.

For identification tips, see common garlic diseases and pests.

Final Tips for Fall Garlic Planting

• Always use organic seed garlic rather than grocery store bulbs.
• Water consistently during dry spells but avoid overwatering.
• Fertilize garlic lightly in fall, then feed more in early spring.
• Harvest garlic bulbs in early summer once about half the leaves have turned yellow.

For more guidance, explore our full Garlic Resource Center and garlic planting essentials.

Conclusion

Planting garlic in fall is a simple but powerful way to ensure a flavorful harvest next summer. With the best soil for garlic, the right fertilizer for garlic plants, and careful fall planting, you’ll enjoy robust garlic bulbs season after season.

Whether you grow hardneck garlic for its scapes, softneck varieties for long storage, or elephant garlic for fun, following these steps will help your garlic plants thrive.

FAQs About Planting Garlic in Fall