How to Plant Garlic

Fall isn’t just about vibrant leaves and cooler days; it’s the perfect season to learn how to plant garlic. My garlic gardening journey began with excitement but was initially met with setbacks due to unrealistic expectations and limited knowledge. Through research and hands-on experience, I’ve grown to appreciate the art of garlic planting, especially in Georgia’s challenging climate.

Understanding Garlic’s Growing Needs

Garlic planting is a bit different from other members of the onion family, and it thrives when planted in the fall. While local garden centers used to promote spring planting, it’s now understood that garlic does best when sown in the cooler months of autumn. This timing allows it to establish roots before the cold sets in, crucial for robust growth.

Garlic’s growth is sensitive to day length and temperature changes. In regions like Northeastern Georgia (Zone 8a), where winters are cool and springs warm, this can make growing garlic a bit tricky but certainly achievable with the right approach.

Choosing the Right Garlic Varieties

When you’re ready to plant garlic, selecting the right varieties is critical. Hardneck and softneck garlic differ in structure, flavor, and growing requirements. Hardneck garlic has a stiff central stalk (or “neck”) and produces scapes, which are edible flower stalks. It typically has fewer, larger cloves and a stronger, more complex flavor. Hardneck varieties are better suited to colder climates as they are more winter-hardy. Softneck garlic, however, lacks a central stalk and is more flexible, making it ideal for braiding. It produces more cloves per bulb, often smaller, with a milder flavor. Softneck varieties thrive in warmer climates and generally have a longer storage life.

Opt for types that are well-suited to your local climate conditions. In my area, I can only grow softneck garlic. Based on recommendations from trusted sources and personal experience, I’ve found success with four different varieties, each adapted to the specific challenges of our region.

Can You Use Grocery Store Garlic?

Technically, yes, but I do not recommend it. It’s best to use seed garlic from a nursery or garden center. Grocery store garlic may be treated to prevent sprouting and might not be suited to your climate.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Plant Garlic in the Fall

Select the Right Site

Garlic needs a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid areas where garlic or its onion relatives were recently grown to prevent disease risks.

Soil Preparation

Ensure the soil is rich and loose. Adding organic matter or compost can improve soil structure and fertility.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Separate your garlic bulbs into individual cloves, leaving the skin on each clove. Plant them root-side down, about 4-6 inches apart, in rows spaced 1-1/2 to 2 feet apart. I like to use a Hori Hori knife for this part. It makes it easy to measure the spacing and depth consistency. Cover the cloves with 1-2 inches of fine soil.

Mulching

In colder regions, apply about 6 inches of mulch to protect the garlic over the winter. This mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retains moisture.

Spring Care

Refresh the mulch in spring to keep the soil cool as the weather warms. As days lengthen, the garlic cloves will grow more vigorously. Avoid letting the soil heat up too quickly, as high temperatures can halt clove development.

Monitoring Growth and Harvesting

Garlic’s leafy growth in late spring is an indicator of clove production. As the soil temperature reaches the mid- to upper eighties (Fahrenheit), growth slows, and the leaves begin to yellow, signaling it’s time to harvest. Harvest the garlic, braid it for storage, and set aside the best bulbs to use as seeds for your next planting.

Planting garlic in the fall can be a rewarding endeavor for any gardener, especially when armed with the right knowledge and techniques. By following these tips on how to plant garlic, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest and even establish a continual planting cycle for years to come.