How to Plant and Grow Garlic: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Plant garlic cloves 4-6 weeks before your region's first hard frost, typically in fall. Separate bulbs into individual cloves, plant pointy-end up 2-4 inches deep with 4-6 inches between plants in well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.5. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, and harvest when lower leaves turn brown (usually late spring to early summer).

Discover exactly when to plant, which varieties thrive in your climate, and proven techniques for maximizing your garlic harvest. This comprehensive guide covers every step from soil preparation to curing your bounty, with specific timelines and troubleshooting tips used by experienced growers.

Why Fall Planting Creates Superior Garlic

Contrary to popular belief, fall planting produces larger, more flavorful garlic than spring planting. Garlic requires a period of cold exposure (vernalization) to properly form bulbs. When planted in autumn, cloves establish root systems before winter dormancy, then resume vigorous growth in spring. Research from University of Minnesota Extension shows fall-planted garlic typically yields bulbs 30-50% larger than spring-planted counterparts.

Choosing Between Hardneck and Softneck Varieties

Characteristic	Hardneck Garlic	Softneck Garlic
Cold Hardiness	Ideal for zones 3-7 (tolerates -20°F)	Better for zones 7-10 (less cold tolerant)
Flavor Profile	Bolder, complex flavors with spicy notes	Milder, more consistent heat
Storage Life	5-8 months	9-12 months
Distinctive Feature	Produces edible scapes in spring	Flexible stalks for braiding

Your Garlic Growing Timeline: From Planting to Harvest

Understanding the seasonal progression prevents common mistakes that reduce yields. This evidence-based timeline reflects recommendations from The Old Farmer's Almanac and agricultural extension services:

• September-October: Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before first frost. In zone 5, this means September planting; in zone 7, October.
• November-December: Mulch beds with 4-6 inches of straw after soil cools to 40°F to prevent heaving.
• March-April: Remove mulch when green shoots emerge. Hardneck varieties produce scapes (flower stalks) in late spring—remove these to direct energy to bulb development.
• May-June: Monitor leaf dieback. Harvest when 40% of leaves turn brown but 60% remain green.
• July: Cure bulbs in shaded, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before storage.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Healthy Garlic

Garlic demands well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting:

1. Test soil pH (ideal range: 6.0-7.5). Amend acidic soils with garden lime.
2. Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
3. Create raised beds 6-8 inches high in heavy clay soils to prevent bulb rot.
4. Apply balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) two weeks before planting.

According to Oregon State University Extension, garlic grown in compacted or waterlogged soil shows significantly higher incidence of fungal diseases and produces smaller bulbs with poor storage capability.

Planting Technique: Maximizing Bulb Development

Follow these precise steps for optimal results:

1. Separate bulbs into individual cloves 1-2 days before planting (keeps cloves fresher than pre-separated store-bought).
2. Select only the largest, healthiest cloves from outer bulb layers (smaller inner cloves produce weaker plants).
3. Plant cloves pointy-end up, 2 inches deep in sandy soil or 4 inches deep in clay/loam.
4. Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
5. Water thoroughly after planting, then only when top 2 inches of soil feel dry.

Seasonal Care: Watering and Weeding Essentials

Garlic has specific water needs throughout its growth cycle:

• Fall: Water only if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week to establish roots.
• Winter: No watering needed under snow cover; apply water only during extended dry spells above freezing.
• Spring: Provide 1 inch of water weekly as leaves actively grow.
• 6 Weeks Before Harvest: Gradually reduce watering to prepare bulbs for curing.

Consistent weeding is critical—garlic's shallow roots compete poorly with weeds. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch after planting to suppress weeds and maintain even soil moisture.

Harvesting at the Perfect Moment

Timing your harvest correctly affects storage life and flavor development. Watch for these indicators:

• Lower third of leaves turn brown while upper leaves remain green
• Bulb wrappers become dry and papery
• Individual cloves fill the wrapper but haven't separated

Harvest on a dry morning using a garden fork to loosen soil 6 inches from plants. Gently lift bulbs without pulling stems. Never wash harvested garlic—brush off excess soil and move immediately to curing area.

Curing and Storage: Preserving Your Harvest

Proper curing transforms freshly harvested garlic into long-lasting bulbs:

1. Hang in small bundles (6-12 bulbs) in shaded, well-ventilated area with 60-70% humidity.
2. Allow to cure for 2-3 weeks until stems are dry and papery.
3. Trim roots to ¼ inch and stems to 1-2 inches after curing.
4. Store in mesh bags or open containers at 55-65°F with 60-70% humidity.

Hardneck varieties typically store 5-8 months while softnecks last 9-12 months. Check monthly for sprouting or mold—discard affected bulbs immediately to prevent spread.

Troubleshooting Common Garlic Problems

Address these frequent issues before they ruin your crop:

• White Rot: Yellowing leaves and white fungal growth. Prevent with crop rotation (don't plant alliums in same spot for 3-4 years).
• Purple Blotch: Purple lesions on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Small Bulbs: Usually caused by late planting, poor soil nutrition, or failure to remove scapes on hardneck varieties.
• Split Bulbs: Results from irregular watering during final bulb development stage.

For organic pest control, ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture recommends applying neem oil for aphid control and using row covers to prevent onion maggot infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow garlic from supermarket bulbs?

While possible, supermarket garlic often carries sprout inhibitors and may not be adapted to your climate. For best results, use certified disease-free seed garlic from gardening suppliers that matches your hardiness zone.

Why are my garlic bulbs splitting open before harvest?

Splitting typically occurs from inconsistent watering during the final bulbing stage. Maintain even soil moisture, especially during the last 4-6 weeks before harvest. Sudden heavy rains after dry periods are a common cause.

How do I know when to harvest garlic scapes?

Harvest scapes when they form their first complete curl (about 6-8 inches long). Cutting at this stage directs energy to bulb development while providing a delicious garlic-flavored vegetable.

Can I plant garlic in containers?

Yes, use containers at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with premium potting mix amended with compost. Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep, water when top inch of soil dries, and move pots to sheltered location during extreme cold.