Learning how to plant and grow garlic is simple and rewarding. By choosing the right variety, planting at the perfect time, and providing basic care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful bulbs. This guide covers everything you need to know to grow garlic successfully at home.
How to Plant and Grow Garlic for a Bountiful Harvest
Have you ever wondered how to plant and grow garlic in your own backyard? Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow. It is incredibly easy, takes up very little space, and tastes amazing when fresh. Plus, homegrown garlic has a flavor store-bought bulbs just cannot match.
Learning how to plant and grow garlic does not require any special gardening skills. Even if you have never grown a single thing before, garlic is very forgiving. You simply pop a clove in the ground, give it a little water, and wait. It is almost that easy!
In this guide on how to plant and grow garlic, we will walk you through everything you need to know. From picking the right bulbs to harvesting a bountiful crop, you will be a garlic-growing pro in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right type: Hardneck garlic is best for cold climates, while softneck garlic thrives in warmer areas.
- Plant at the right time: Fall planting gives garlic a head start for a bountiful harvest the following summer.
- Prepare the soil: Garlic loves loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Give them space: Plant cloves about 2 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart to allow bulbs to expand.
- Water wisely: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and reduce watering as harvest time approaches.
- Cut the scapes: Removing the curly flower stalks from hardneck garlic directs energy back into the bulb.
- Harvest at the right time: Pick your garlic when the lower leaves turn brown, but a few green leaves remain.
📑 Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Before you learn how to plant and grow garlic, you need to pick the right kind for your garden. Garlic comes in two main types. Understanding the difference will help you get the best harvest.
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic grows a stiff stalk in the center. It produces fewer cloves per bulb, but the cloves are larger and easier to peel. Hardneck varieties also produce curly flower stalks called scapes. These are a delicious bonus crop! This type is perfect for colder climates because it handles freezing winters very well.
Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic does not produce a stiff stalk. It has many small cloves packed tightly together. This type is what you usually find in grocery stores. It stores for a very long time and is great for braiding. Softneck garlic prefers milder winters, making it the best choice for warmer regions.
When to Plant Garlic
Timing is everything when learning how to plant and grow garlic. Garlic needs a long growing season, but it also needs a period of cold weather to develop properly. This process is called vernalization.
The Best Timing for Success
The best time to plant garlic is in the fall, about 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the cloves time to grow roots before winter sets in, but not enough time to sprout above the soil. If you miss the fall window, you can plant in early spring, but the bulbs will be smaller. If you want a more detailed breakdown of timing, check out our guide on when to plant garlic.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Garlic is a heavy feeder, which means it needs nutrient-rich soil to grow big bulbs. Taking time to prepare your bed before you plant and grow garlic makes a huge difference.
Soil and Sunlight Needs
Garlic loves full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The soil should be loose and well-draining. Heavy, wet soil will cause the bulbs to rot. Just like learning how to plant onions, garlic needs loose soil to bulb up properly. Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure to feed the soil.
How to Plant Garlic Step by Step
Now for the fun part! Learning exactly how to plant and grow garlic starts with handling the bulbs correctly. Do not pull the bulb apart until you are ready to plant. The papery wrapper protects the cloves.
Clove Selection and Planting Depth
Pick the biggest, healthiest cloves from the bulb. Large cloves produce large bulbs. Plant the cloves pointy side up. The pointy end is where the sprouts will emerge. Push each clove about 2 inches deep into the soil. Space them about 4 to 6 inches apart in all directions. If you are planting multiple rows, keep the rows about 12 inches apart. For a complete step-by-step breakdown, visit our article on how to plant garlic.
Caring for Your Growing Garlic
Once your garlic is in the ground, the waiting game begins. But there are a few things you can do to ensure a bountiful harvest when you plant and grow garlic.
Watering, Fertilizing, and Mulching
Garlic needs about an inch of water per week. Do not overwater, or the bulbs will rot. In the fall, add a thick layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves. Mulch protects the cloves from freezing winter temperatures and keeps the soil moist. In the spring, remove some of the mulch to let the soil warm up. Feed the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring to fuel leaf growth.
Managing Scapes
If you are growing hardneck varieties, you will need to know about garlic plant flower stalks, also known as scapes. These curly green stalks appear in late spring. Cut them off! If left on the plant, the scapes will flower and take energy away from the bulb. Removing them forces the plant to put all its energy into growing a bigger bulb.
Harvesting and Curing Your Garlic
Knowing when to pull your garlic out of the ground is crucial. Harvest too early, and the bulbs will be small. Harvest too late, and the bulbs might split open in the soil.
Signs Your Garlic is Ready
Your garlic is ready to harvest when the bottom 3 or 4 leaves have turned brown, but there are still a few green leaves at the top. Usually, this happens in mid to late summer. Do not just pull the plant out of the ground by the stalk. Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs from underneath to avoid damaging them.
The Curing Process
Fresh garlic is wonderful, but it will not store well unless you cure it. Lay the bulbs out in a single layer in a dry, shady spot with good air circulation. Leave them there for about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the outer skin is papery and the roots are dry, trim the roots and cut the stalks. Store your cured garlic in a cool, dark place, and it will last for months.
Conclusion
Learning how to plant and grow garlic is a simple process that pays off in a big way. By choosing the right variety, planting in the fall, and giving your plants a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown garlic. There is nothing quite like the flavor of garlic you grew yourself. So grab some bulbs, get your hands dirty, and start growing garlic today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow garlic from grocery store bulbs?
You can, but it is not recommended. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting, and it may not be suited for your local climate. It is better to buy seed garlic from a nursery or garden center.
How long does it take to grow garlic?
Garlic takes about 8 to 9 months to fully mature. If you plant in the fall, you can expect to harvest your garlic the following summer, usually around June or July.
Why did my garlic not form bulbs?
This usually happens if the cloves were planted too late in the season, or if the plants did not get enough sunlight or nutrients. Garlic needs full sun and rich soil to form proper bulbs.
How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?
Your garlic is ready when the lower leaves turn brown, but there are still a few green leaves at the top. Do not wait until all the leaves are brown, or the bulbs may have split.
Should I let my garlic flower?
If you are growing hardneck garlic, you should cut off the flower stalks, called scapes. Removing them forces the plant to put its energy into growing a larger bulb instead of flowering.
Can I grow garlic in containers?
Yes, you can grow garlic in containers! Just make sure the pot is at least 8 inches deep and has good drainage. Use a quality potting mix and water regularly.