How To Grow Garlic

Many new gardeners find it hard to grow garlic that is big and healthy. Garlic is one of the oldest crops, and it grows well in many gardens. This guide will show you simple steps to plant, care for, harvest, and store garlic at home.

Keep reading—you can grow great garlic with just a few easy tips!

Key Takeaways

• Pick the right type of garlic for your climate. Hardneck is good for cold areas, and softneck works well in warm places.
• Plant garlic two inches deep and six inches apart in fall, before the ground freezes.
• Keep soil moist but not wet. Use nitrogen-rich fertilizer early on then stop when bulbs form.
• Harvest when lower leaves yellow but upper ones are green, usually late June to July.
• Cure garlic in a dry place with air flow for 2-3 weeks before storing in a cool, dry area.

Choosing the Right Garlic Variety

this woman planting garlicPick a garlic type that fits your climate and taste needs. Some types handle cold winters better, while others store longer or have milder flavors—choosing wisely helps you meet your garden goals.

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic grows best in colder climates. This type produces a hard, central stem called a scape. You can eat the scapes as well as the garlic bulbs. Many gardeners enjoy growing hardneck varieties for their strong, rich flavor and easy-to-peel cloves.

Popular types include Rocambole and Purple Stripe.

Bulbs from hardneck garlic often have 4 to 12 large cloves arranged around the stalk. For those learning how to grow garlic, this makes planting simple since each clove is big and easy to handle.

Hardneck garlic usually needs exposure to cold temperatures during winter for healthy growth, making it perfect for home gardeners in northern regions.

Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic has a soft, flexible stem. This makes it easier to braid for storage. Most grocery stores sell this type because it lasts longer on the shelf than hardneck garlic. Softneck varieties grow well in warmer climates, such as those in the southern United States.

These plants can produce more cloves per bulb, often around twelve to twenty. You will spot smaller cloves near the outer edge and larger ones closer to the center.

Choose softneck types like ‘California Early’ or ‘Artichoke’ if you want many bulbs with excellent storage life—sometimes up to eight months or more under good conditions.

The mild flavor works well in most recipes and appeals to many home cooks and gardeners alike. Next, find out when is the best time to plant your garlic for steady growth and big harvests.

When to Plant Garlic

Plant garlic in the fall, about two to four weeks before the ground freezes. In most parts of the United States, this means mid-September to early November. Cooler climates do best when you plant in late September or October.

Warmer regions can wait until November. Fall planting gives your garlic a head start for strong roots.

\”Garlic loves cool soil and hates hot weather.\”

Spring planting is possible if you miss fall, but bulbs may be smaller. Choose a time when the soil temperature drops below 60°F at night for best results. Get your cloves into moist soil while it’s still workable for healthy growth through winter and spring.

Preparing the Soil for Garlic

Garlic grows best in loose, well-drained soil. Use a garden fork to loosen the dirt down to at least 8 inches deep. Remove rocks and break up large clumps. Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrients and improve structure.

Aim for soil that smells rich and feels crumbly in your hands.

Check the soil pH with a simple tester; garlic prefers between 6.0 and 7.0 for healthy roots. Too much clay or standing water can rot bulbs, so raise beds if needed for better drainage.

Level out the area before planting, smoothing it with a rake—this step sets you up for straight rows and easy weeding all season long! Healthy soil leads to thick stalks, big bulbs, and strong harvests every time you grow garlic at home or on your small farm.

How to Plant Garlic

Plant each garlic clove with its pointed end up, about two inches deep in the soil—start your planting right and keep reading for even better results!

Breaking the Bulbs into Cloves

Gently twist the garlic bulb until the cloves split apart. Each clove should have its own papery skin still on. Choose only healthy, firm cloves for planting; skip any that are soft or show signs of mold.

Most garlic bulbs contain about 8 to 12 good-sized cloves each, and each clove will grow into a new plant.

Each clove is a seed packed with promise—handle it with care.

Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive, since garlic can sometimes irritate the skin. Do not peel off too much of the paper covering around each clove because it protects them from rot and disease in the soil.

This simple step sets you up for strong sprouts later in your garden beds or rows.

Proper Spacing and Depth

Plant each garlic clove root-side down, with the pointed end up. Space cloves about 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. This spacing helps air flow and gives plants room to grow large bulbs.

Push each clove into the soil about 2 inches deep for best results. Cover them well with soil and press gently to remove any air pockets. Proper planting depth protects cloves from cold weather and keeps them from drying out too fast.

Good spacing makes weeding easier and reduces disease risk, helping you grow strong, healthy garlic plants every season.

Tips for Growing Healthy Garlic

Strong garlic needs good care—learn smart ways to water, feed, and protect your plants for bigger, better bulbs… keep reading to master these simple steps!

Watering and Fertilizing

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Garlic likes about one inch of water each week. If it rains, skip watering that day. Dry soil in spring can make bulbs small, so check often and add water if needed.

Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich option in early growth stages; blood meal or fish emulsion both work well. Stop adding fertilizer when you see the garlic start to form bulbs, usually by late spring.

Healthy plants grow tall green leaves before focusing on bulb growth below ground.Consistent care leads to healthy garlic—water right, feed just enough, and watch them thrive.

Controlling Weeds

Weeds can steal water, sunlight, and nutrients from your garlic. Hand-pulling is one of the best methods for small gardens. Loosen the soil gently to remove weeds without harming garlic roots.

Use a hoe for larger patches; keep blades shallow so you do not disturb the bulbs. Mulch works well, too. Put down straw or dried grass after planting to block weed seeds and hold in soil moisture.

Avoid using harsh chemicals near edible crops like garlic. Regularly check your beds each week during growing season because weeds grow fast in moist spring weather. Clear rows before they get crowded since young garlic needs space and light to grow strong bulbs that are ready for harvest later in summer.

Small steps early make a big difference by harvest time—healthy, clean beds set up plants for success!

Harvesting Garlic

Harvest garlic when the lower leaves turn yellow, and discover simple steps to cure and store your fresh bulbs—keep reading for the full guide.

When to Harvest

Check the leaves for signs. Garlic is ready to pick when half or two-thirds of the lower leaves turn brown, while the upper leaves stay green. This usually happens in late June or July if you plant in fall.

If you wait too long, bulbs can split and may not store well. If picked too early, cloves will be small. Pull one bulb first and check it; you should see plump cloves with tight skin.

Aim to harvest on a dry day for best results and cleaner bulbs.

How to Cure for Storage

After pulling garlic from the ground, set the whole plants in a dry place with good air flow. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Hang bunches or lay bulbs on shelves for two to three weeks.

The dirt and roots should be left as is; cutting too soon can let mold sneak in.

Garlic needs this time for its skins to dry and get papery. Once you hear rustling when you rub the skins, your garlic is ready. Cut off roots to about half an inch and trim stems if using softneck varieties for braiding.

Clean any loose dirt gently by hand—never wash with water before curing. Cured garlic lasts much longer in storage, keeping flavor strong through fall and winter meals!

Storing Garlic Properly

Keep garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air flow. Mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets work best for this. Avoid plastic containers; they trap moisture and can cause rot. Ideal storage temperatures are between 60°F and 65°F.

Hang cured garlic or lay it out in a single layer if space allows. Check for any soft spots often and use those bulbs first to prevent waste. Properly stored garlic lasts six to eight months, letting you enjoy your harvest well into the year ahead.

Conclusion

Garlic is easy to grow, and it rewards your effort with big flavor. Give it good soil, water, and care through the seasons. Soon you will pull up strong bulbs ready for your kitchen or storage.

Try growing garlic this year…and enjoy the taste of success! Your garden can be even more rewarding with these simple steps.

FAQs

1. How can I start growing garlic at home?

Starting to grow garlic at home is quite simple and rewarding. You’ll need a sunny spot, well-drained soil, and garlic bulbs. Plant the cloves about 4 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up in fall before the first frost hits.

2. What are some practical benefits of growing my own garlic?

Growing your own garlic offers several advantages such as freshness, cost-effectiveness and it’s organic! You get to control how it’s grown ensuring no harmful chemicals are used – this gives you healthier and tastier produce.

3. Can I grow garlic in a pot if I don’t have a garden?

Absolutely yes! Garlic grows well in pots or containers too. Just ensure that your container is deep enough for roots to develop properly and has good drainage so water doesn’t pool at the bottom causing rot.

4. How do I care for my growing garlic plants?

Caring for your growing garlic involves watering them regularly but not overwatering; they like moist but not soggy soil… Also remember to weed around them often because competition from weeds can hinder their growth.