Planting garlic is easy. You put cloves in the ground in the fall. You get fresh garlic next summer. This guide shows you how to do it.

More people are growing their own food. The home gardening market continues to grow in 2024 as people want fresh, reliable produce. Garlic is a good place to start. It doesn't need much space or attention.

When to Plant Garlic

The best time to plant garlic is in the fall.

You should plant it about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes solid. For most people, this is between September and November.

Why Fall Planting Works Best

Garlic needs a cold period to develop large bulbs. This is called vernalization. Planting in the fall gives the cloves time to grow roots before winter. Then the cold winter temperatures tell the plant to form a big bulb next summer.

The University of Minnesota Extension confirms this. Their experts state, "Fall planting results in larger bulbs and an earlier harvest than spring planting."

Can You Plant in the Spring?

Yes, you can plant garlic in the spring. Plant as soon as you can work the soil. But the bulbs will be smaller. They won't have the long cold period that helps them grow.

What Kind of Garlic to Plant

Don't use garlic from the grocery store.

Grocery store garlic is often treated to stop it from sprouting. It can also carry soil-borne diseases you don't want in your garden. Use seed garlic from a nursery or an online supplier instead. Seed garlic is grown specifically for planting. You can learn more about sourcing quality seeds here.

Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic

There are two main types of garlic.

• Hardneck Garlic: This type grows a hard central stalk. It does well in colder climates. The cloves are bigger but there are fewer of them per bulb. Hardneck types also produce a delicious edible flower stalk called a scape in early summer.
• Softneck Garlic: This type has a soft, braidable stem. It's best for warmer climates and it stores longer than hardneck garlic. You will get more, smaller cloves per bulb.

Choose the type that fits your climate and your needs.

How to Plant Your Garlic: A Step-by-Step Guide

This process is direct. Follow these steps for a good harvest.

1. Prepare Your Cloves

First, take your seed garlic bulb and carefully break it apart into individual cloves. Do this just before you plant so they don't dry out. Use the biggest cloves for planting. The bigger the clove, the bigger the bulb it will produce. You can use the small cloves for cooking.

2. Choose and Prepare the Soil

Garlic needs two things: full sun and soil that drains well. If your soil is heavy clay, you should amend it with compost to improve its texture and drainage. A garden bed or a large container works.

3. Plant the Cloves

This part is important.

• Orientation: Plant each clove with the pointy side up. The roots grow from the flat bottom. If you plant it upside down, the plant wastes energy trying to right itself.
• Depth: Push each clove about 2 inches deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space the cloves about 6 inches apart. This gives them room to grow without competing for resources.

4. Water and Mulch

After you plant the cloves, water the area well.

Then, cover the bed with a thick layer of mulch. Use 4 to 6 inches of shredded leaves or straw. Mulch protects the cloves from the cold. It also keeps moisture in and stops weeds from growing in the spring.

Caring for Your Garlic Plants

In the spring, you will see green shoots coming through the mulch.

Your main jobs are watering and weeding.

• Watering: Water your garlic when the soil is dry, about an inch per week. Stop watering a few weeks before you plan to harvest.
• Scapes: If you planted hardneck garlic, it will send up a curling flower stalk called a scape in early summer. Cut this scape off. This sends the plant's energy into growing a bigger bulb instead of a flower. You can use garlic scapes in your cooking.

When and How to Harvest Garlic

You will harvest your garlic in mid-summer, usually June or July.

Look for these signs. The lower leaves will start to turn yellow and fall over. The top leaves will still be green. This is when the garlic is ready.

To harvest, loosen the soil around the bulb with a small garden fork. Pull the plant out of the ground gently. Brush off the loose dirt but don't wash the bulbs. You will need to cure and store your garlic so it lasts for months.

FAQ

Can I plant garlic from the grocery store?

You can, but it is not recommended. Store-bought garlic might be treated to prevent sprouting. It can also introduce diseases to your soil. Use certified seed garlic for better, more reliable results.

What happens if I plant garlic pointy side down?

The garlic will likely still grow, but the plant will use a lot of energy to turn its shoot upwards. This usually results in a smaller, misshapen bulb. Always plant with the pointy side up.

How long does garlic take to grow?

Garlic takes about 8 to 9 months to grow. If you plant it in October, you can expect to harvest it in late June or July of the next year.

Why is my garlic not forming bulbs?

This can happen for a few reasons. The most common cause is planting in the spring instead of the fall, which means the garlic didn't get the cold it needs. Other reasons include not enough sun, too much nitrogen fertilizer late in the season, or harvesting too early.

Do I need to water garlic in the winter?

No. If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, your garlic will be dormant. The mulch will protect it. If you live in a milder climate, it may need occasional water if you have a long dry period.

What is the best fertilizer for garlic?

Garlic benefits from rich soil. Mix compost into the soil before planting. In the spring, when the shoots are about 6 inches tall, you can give them a feeding of a balanced fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as this encourages leaf growth instead of bulb growth.