Growing Garlic

Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for home gardeners. It’s planted in the fall, requires minimal care, and produces a flavorful harvest the following summer. Success comes down to proper planting time, spacing, and a little patience through the winter.

Garlic is grown from individual cloves, which are planted in the fall and develop into full bulbs by the following summer. It requires a cold period to form properly and thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

When to Plant Garlic

Garlic should be planted in the fall, typically from late September to early November, depending on your location. Cloves need several weeks to establish roots before the ground freezes. Spring planting is possible but usually results in smaller bulbs.

Spacing & Planting Depth

• Plant cloves 2–4 inches apart.
• Space rows 12–18 inches apart.
• Plant cloves 1–2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
• Mulch with straw or leaves to protect against winter temperature swings.

Care & Maintenance

• Garlic prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy soil.
• Weed control is critical—garlic competes poorly with weeds.
• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes.
• Remove flower stalks (scapes) to improve bulb size.
• Reduce watering as harvest approaches to help bulbs cure properly.

Harvesting & Storage

Garlic is ready to harvest when about half of the leaves turn yellow and begin to dry—usually mid to late summer.

• Dig bulbs carefully to avoid damage.
• Cure in a warm, dry, shaded area for 2–4 weeks.
• Trim roots and tops once fully dry.
• Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.

Softneck garlic varieties can be braided for storage, while hardneck varieties store best in mesh bags or open containers. Properly cured garlic can last for several months.

*Always read and follow fertilizer and product label instructions.