Buzz
Growing garlic is not a difficult task in most climates. Though the growing period for garlic can be long, the final result will reward you with a fruitful harvest, giving you enough garlic for winter storage or to share with friends. Garlic can be planted in your garden or in pots, and harvesting usually happens between mid and late summer. Read Step 1 for detailed instructions on how to plant and harvest garlic.
Steps
Preparing to Plant Garlic
Select the garlic variety for planting. You can choose garlic from the supermarket, but your chances of success are higher if you buy garlic cloves or seeds from a nursery, where varieties are available that are more suited to your local climate. Online shops also offer many types of garlic, and you can choose according to your preferences. Some varieties are stronger, while others are more resilient in colder weather.
- Garlic sold in markets is often imported, so it may not be suited for your local soil or climate.
- Garlic sold in markets is often treated with chemicals to prolong freshness, which can make it harder to grow compared to naturally grown garlic.
Garlic should be planted in the fall or spring. If you live in an area with heavy snow, it's best to plant garlic in the fall. Garlic easily survives the winter, and early planting will result in larger and more fragrant bulbs than if planted in the spring. However, if you live in a milder climate, spring planting can also work, preferably in early spring.
- If planting in the fall, aim to plant garlic 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes completely.
- If planting in the spring, it’s best to plant early, around February or March.
Prepare the garlic planting area. Choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Use a hoe or rake to dig the soil to a depth of about 10 cm. Adding organic fertilizers will help your garlic grow quickly and stay healthy.
- If you prefer, you can plant garlic in a pot. Choose a pot that is wide and deep enough for the garlic and fill it with soil.
Plant the garlic cloves. Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the skin intact. Plant each clove 5 cm deep in the soil, spaced about 10 cm apart. When planting, ensure the root side is facing down and the pointed end is facing up—otherwise, the garlic will grow incorrectly. Cover the cloves with soil and press it gently into place.
Garlic Care
Protect the garlic planting area. If you plant garlic in the fall, it’s a good idea to cover the area with 15 cm of straw to protect it through the winter. In the spring, you can remove the straw to allow the garlic to thrive in warmer weather.
Remove garlic flowers during spring. At the start of the spring season, you will notice garlic stalks emerging from the ground. Be sure to cut off the garlic flowers, as they will absorb essential nutrients needed for the development of garlic bulbs, ultimately leading to smaller bulbs.
Water your garlic plants. Throughout the garlic growing season, make sure to water them every 3 to 5 days. When the soil appears dry and dusty, it's the right time to water. There's no need to water in the autumn and winter months.
Fertilize the soil if necessary. If the garlic stalks turn yellow or become soft mid-season, adding fertilizer can help the garlic thrive. Keep the soil moist to ensure the garlic doesn't compete with other plants for nutrients and water.
Harvesting and Storing Garlic
Harvest garlic when the leaves turn yellow and begin to wither. At the end of the growing season, usually in July or August, garlic leaves will turn yellow and start to dry out. This is the best time to harvest garlic.
- Avoid harvesting too late – the garlic bulbs will shrink and become unsuitable for use.
- Harvesting too early will result in garlic that hasn't fully dried yet.
Avoid breaking the garlic stalk when pulling it from the soil. Use a trowel to loosen the soil around the bulb and ensure the garlic cloves stay attached to the stalk. Gently shake off the excess soil. You can leave both the stalk and the bulb intact.
Let the garlic dry for two weeks. Before use, the garlic must be dried. During this period, the outer skin will dry, and the garlic will become firm. Store garlic in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place to ensure proper drying.
- You can cut off the stalk and dry just the bulb in a storage container. Make sure the garlic gets enough air circulation.
- Another common method for drying and storing garlic is to leave the stalks intact, braid them together, and hang them in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area.
Use garlic when the skin is dry and feels "paper-thin". The cloves should be firm and easily separated.
Reserve the best garlic bulbs for the next planting season. Select a few large bulbs to plant before winter or at the beginning of spring. By choosing the best bulbs for the new season, your harvest will produce large, fragrant garlic.
Tips
- Garlic can be planted in winter in regions with a temperate climate.
- There is no need to use lemon unless your soil has a high acid concentration. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 6.7.
- Garlic rows should be spaced 30 cm apart.
- For more detailed guidance, check out additional articles in the same category on garlic planting.
Warning
- Fungal root rot diseases can harm garlic. Avoid overwatering.
Things You'll Need
- Soil preparation tools
- Digging tools
- A fresh garlic clove (or more, if needed)
- Container and sandy soil if planting garlic in a container.
