Garlic is a staple in the kitchen and surprisingly easy to grow, but achieving large, flavorful bulbs requires some strategic steps. By planting at the right time, choosing the right varieties, and providing optimal care, you can double the size of your garlic bulbs. Here’s your ultimate guide to growing big, beautiful garlic.
Planting Garlic
Timing is Key
Garlic thrives when planted in the fall. Timing depends on your climate:
- In mild climates, plant in late autumn.
- In colder regions, plant earlier, around mid or early autumn, about three weeks after your average first frost date.
Garlic needs about 10 weeks of temperatures below 45°F (7°C) to properly form bulbs. If you live in a warm climate (zone 10 or above), simulate this cold period by refrigerating bulbs for 10 weeks before planting.
Site and Soil Preparation
- Choose a sunny, well-drained location. Raised beds are ideal if your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging.
- Clear weeds and add compost to enrich the soil. Incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer, such as blood, fish, and bone or a potassium-rich vegetable fertilizer, to feed the plants through winter and spring.
How to Plant
- Separate Cloves: Carefully break bulbs into individual cloves. Prioritize the largest cloves, as they yield the biggest bulbs.
- Spacing: Plant cloves 6 inches (15 cm) apart in all directions for ample space and airflow.
- Depth: Make a hole 5 inches (13 cm) deep. Place the clove pointy end up, flat side down, and backfill with soil so it’s buried 4 inches (10 cm) deep. Proper depth protects the cloves from extreme cold and ensures robust shoots.
Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic
Garlic varieties fall into two main categories:
- Softneck:
- More cloves per bulb.
- Stores up to a year.
- Best for warmer climates.
- Hardneck:
- Fewer, larger cloves.
- Stronger flavor.
- Grows well in colder climates.
- Produces scapes, which are flavorful, curly stems that can be harvested before the bulbs mature.
In mild climates (zone 8), both types thrive, offering versatility.
Winter Care for Garlic
- Mulching: Cover beds with 2–3 inches (5 cm) of leaves to insulate the soil and prevent weeds. Secure with sticks or netting to prevent wind scatter.
- Cold-Weather Growth: Garlic establishes roots over winter and may produce short shoots. Even in freezing temperatures, the bulbs are preparing for a strong start in spring.
Spring and Summer Care
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage bulb development. Stop watering when leaves begin to yellow as the bulbs mature.
- Weeding: Remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Scape Removal: For hardneck varieties, cut off scapes as they appear to redirect the plant’s energy into bulb growth. Scapes are edible and can be used in recipes like pesto or stir-fries.
Harvesting Garlic
When to Harvest
Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and start to wither, signaling the plant is nearing the end of its growth cycle. Don’t wait too long, as bulbs may deteriorate or split.
How to Harvest
- Use a garden fork to lift bulbs from below, taking care not to damage them.
- Gently pull the plant from the soil and avoid washing at this stage.
Curing and Storing Garlic
- Curing: Lay garlic in a warm, dry, and ventilated area, like a sunny windowsill or an airy shed. Allow it to dry for 2–3 weeks.
- Storage: Once foliage is rustle-dry, trim roots and foliage. Store bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark place, either in breathable sacks, nets, or braided bunches. Properly cured garlic can last for months, depending on the variety.
Companion Planting Benefits
Garlic naturally repels pests like aphids, making it an excellent companion for crops like tomatoes, carrots, and fruit trees. Its pest-repelling properties also improve garden biodiversity.
Growing garlic isn’t just rewarding—it’s also a fantastic way to enhance your garden ecosystem. Follow these tips, and your garlic crop will be the biggest, most flavorful yet!