Garlic is an easy-to-grow, flavorful crop that requires minimal care and provides a rich harvest for cooking and medicinal uses. Whether you’re growing softneck garlic for braiding or hardneck garlic for stronger flavors, the right soil, planting time, and proper curing will ensure large, healthy bulbs.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant, care for, and harvest garlic successfully for a homegrown supply of this kitchen essential.
1. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Garlic comes in two main types:
1. Softneck Garlic (Best for Mild Climates & Long Storage)
✔ Produces multiple small cloves per bulb.
✔ Stores for 6-12 months.
✔ Suitable for braiding after harvesting.
✔ Grows well in warmer climates (USDA Zones 5-10).
✔ Examples: California White, Inchelium Red, Silverskin.
2. Hardneck Garlic (Best for Cold Climates & Stronger Flavor)
✔ Produces larger cloves with a firm stem in the center.
✔ Develops scapes (edible flower stalks).
✔ More flavorful but shorter storage life (3-6 months).
✔ Grows well in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7).
✔ Examples: Music, German Red, Chesnok Red, Purple Stripe.
🌟 Tip: If you live in a warm region, choose softneck garlic for better yields. In cold regions, grow hardneck varieties, as they withstand winter temperatures better.
2. Preparing the Soil for Garlic
Garlic thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Garlic
✔ pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
✔ Loose, loamy soil to allow bulb expansion.
✔ Well-draining soil to prevent rot.
How to Improve Soil for Garlic
✅ Mix in compost or aged manure before planting.
✅ Add bone meal or rock phosphate for strong root development.
✅ Use mulch (straw, dried leaves) to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
🌟 Tip: Avoid heavy clay soil, as it restricts bulb growth. If necessary, grow garlic in raised beds or containers.
3. Planting Garlic the Right Way
When to Plant Garlic
- Fall Planting (Best Method): Plant 4-6 weeks before the first frost (September-November).
- Spring Planting: Plant in early spring, but bulbs may be smaller than fall-planted garlic.
How to Plant Garlic Cloves
✔ Separate cloves from the bulb but keep the papery skin intact.
✔ Plant cloves 2 inches deep, pointed end facing up.
✔ Space cloves 4-6 inches apart, with rows 12 inches apart.
✔ Cover with 2-3 inches of soil, then apply mulch.
🚫 Avoid planting grocery store garlic, as it may be treated with chemicals that prevent sprouting.
🌟 Tip: For larger bulbs, plant the biggest cloves and discard small or damaged ones.
4. Watering Garlic Correctly
Garlic needs consistent moisture but dislikes soggy soil.
How Often to Water Garlic
✔ Water deeply every 5-7 days, about 1 inch per week.
✔ Reduce watering when bulbs start to mature (6-8 weeks before harvest).
✔ Avoid overwatering, as garlic rots easily in wet soil.
🚫 Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellow, drooping leaves
- Soft or moldy bulbs
🚫 Signs of Underwatering:
- Small, dry bulbs
- Cracked soil
🌟 Tip: Mulch helps maintain soil moisture and prevents weeds from competing with garlic.
5. Fertilizing Garlic for Bigger Bulbs
Garlic benefits from steady nutrients throughout its growth cycle.
Best Fertilizers for Garlic
✔ Compost or aged manure – Provides organic nutrients.
✔ Nitrogen-rich fertilizer (10-5-5) – Encourages leafy growth early on.
✔ Bone meal or fish emulsion – Boosts bulb development.
When to Fertilize Garlic
🟢 At planting: Mix compost into the soil.
🟢 Early spring: Apply nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks until bulbs start forming.
🟢 Stop fertilizing once the garlic starts to bulb to avoid excessive leafy growth.
🚫 Avoid too much nitrogen late in the season – It reduces bulb size.
6. Managing Pests and Diseases in Garlic
Garlic is generally low-maintenance, but it can be affected by pests and diseases.
Common Garlic Pests & Natural Solutions
| Pest | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Onion Maggots 🪰 | Wilting plants, holes in bulbs | Rotate crops, cover with row covers |
| Thrips | Silvery streaks on leaves | Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Nematodes | Swollen, deformed bulbs | Use disease-free seed garlic, rotate crops |
Common Garlic Diseases & Prevention
| Disease | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| White Rot | Yellowing leaves, moldy roots | Rotate crops, avoid infected soil |
| Rust | Orange spots on leaves | Improve airflow, water at soil level |
| Fusarium Rot | Soft, mushy bulbs | Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering |
🌟 Tip: Companion plant garlic with carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes to repel pests naturally.
7. Harvesting and Storing Garlic
When to Harvest Garlic
✔ Garlic is ready 90-120 days after planting.
✔ Leaves turn yellow and dry from the bottom up.
✔ Bulbs feel firm and have well-developed cloves.
How to Harvest Garlic Properly
✔ Use a garden fork to gently lift bulbs from the soil.
✔ Do not pull garlic by hand, as this can damage the bulbs.
✔ Shake off excess dirt but do not wash the bulbs.
🚫 Don’t leave garlic in the ground too long – Overripe bulbs split apart and won’t store well.
8. Curing and Storing Garlic for Long-Term Use
Proper curing extends garlic’s shelf life and enhances flavor.
How to Cure Garlic
✔ Hang bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.
✔ Keep garlic out of direct sunlight.
✔ After curing, trim roots and cut stems (or leave long for braiding).
How to Store Garlic for Freshness
✔ Store in a cool, dry place (50-60°F) for up to 6-12 months.
✔ Keep in mesh bags, baskets, or paper bags for airflow.
✔ Do not refrigerate, as cold temperatures cause garlic to sprout.
🌟 Tip: Softneck garlic stores longer than hardneck garlic, making it ideal for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for home gardeners. With proper planting, fertilization, and curing, you’ll enjoy a fresh, homegrown supply of garlic all year long.
🧄 Start growing your own garlic today and enjoy bold, homegrown flavor in your cooking! 🧄
