Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in your garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, learning how to grow garlic will provide you with a fresh, flavorful supply of this kitchen essential. Garlic is not only a key ingredient in cooking but also offers numerous health benefits.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of growing garlic successfully—from selecting the right variety to harvesting and storing your bulbs.
Why Grow Garlic at Home?
Growing garlic at home has several advantages:
- Better Flavor: Homegrown garlic has a stronger, fresher taste compared to store-bought varieties.
- Pesticide-Free: You control what goes into your soil, ensuring organic, chemical-free garlic.
- Cost-Effective: One garlic bulb can produce multiple cloves, making it a budget-friendly crop.
- Health Benefits: Garlic is packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
Now, let’s explore the best way to grow garlic from planting to harvest.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Before learning how to grow garlic, it’s essential to choose the right variety. There are two main types:
1. Hardneck Garlic
- Best for cold climates (zones 3–7).
- Produces a flower stalk called a scape, which is edible.
- Easier to peel and has a bold, complex flavor.
- Shorter storage life (3–6 months).
- Common varieties: Rocambole, Porcelain, Purple Stripe.
2. Softneck Garlic
- Grows well in warm climates (zones 8–10).
- Does not produce a scape, but has a longer shelf life (up to 12 months).
- Milder flavor and harder to peel.
- Common varieties: Silverskin, Artichoke.
For most home gardeners, softneck garlic is ideal for warm regions, while hardneck garlic thrives in colder areas.
Step 2: When to Plant Garlic
The best time to plant garlic is in the fall (September–November) for a summer harvest.
- Cold Climates (Zones 3–7): Plant garlic 4–6 weeks before the first frost so the roots develop before winter.
- Warm Climates (Zones 8–10): Plant garlic between late October and December to ensure proper growth.
If you miss the fall planting window, spring planting is possible, but the bulbs may be smaller.
Step 3: Preparing the Soil for Garlic
Garlic grows best in loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Follow these steps to prepare the best soil for garlic:
- Choose a Sunny Spot – Garlic needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Loosen the Soil – Use a garden fork or tiller to aerate the soil to a depth of 10–12 inches.
- Add Organic Matter – Mix in compost or aged manure for nutrient-rich soil. The ideal pH is 6.0–7.0.
- Ensure Good Drainage – Avoid waterlogged soil, as garlic bulbs can rot.
Step 4: How to Plant Garlic
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant garlic cloves:
- Break the Bulbs – Gently separate a garlic bulb into individual cloves without removing the skins.
- Plant Each Clove – Place cloves pointy side up and flat side down, about 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.
- Mulch the Bed – Cover the bed with 2–4 inches of mulch (straw, leaves, or grass clippings) to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Water Lightly – Give the bed a light watering to help the cloves settle in.
Step 5: Caring for Garlic Plants
1. Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first few months.
- Reduce watering as bulbs mature in late spring to prevent rot.
- Stop watering 2–3 weeks before harvest for better bulb storage.
2. Fertilizing
- In early spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as blood meal or fish emulsion) every 3–4 weeks.
- In mid-spring, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to encourage bulb formation.
3. Weed Control
- Garlic does not compete well with weeds. Regularly hand-pull weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
4. Removing Scapes (For Hardneck Garlic)
- When curly green scapes appear in early summer, cut them off to redirect energy into bulb growth.
- Garlic scapes are edible and taste great in stir-fries and pesto.
Step 6: Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is ready to harvest when:
- Lower leaves turn yellow and dry, while upper leaves stay green.
- This usually happens 8–9 months after planting (June–July).
How to Harvest Garlic
- Loosen the Soil – Use a garden fork to carefully lift the bulbs.
- Avoid Pulling by Hand – This can damage the bulbs.
- Shake Off Excess Dirt – Do not wash the bulbs, as moisture can cause rot.
Step 7: Curing and Storing Garlic
1. Curing the Garlic
Garlic must be cured for 2–4 weeks to improve flavor and shelf life.
- Hang bulbs in bundles of 5–10 or lay them in a single layer in a dry, ventilated area.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Do not remove leaves or roots until after curing.
2. Storing Garlic
- Trim the Stalks and Roots – Cut the stems to about 1 inch and the roots to ½ inch.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place – Ideal conditions are 60–65°F (15–18°C) with low humidity.
- Avoid Refrigeration – This can cause garlic to sprout prematurely.
Softneck garlic lasts 6–12 months, while hardneck varieties last 3–6 months.
Step 8: Saving Garlic for Replanting
To grow garlic every season, save your best bulbs:
- Select the largest, healthiest bulbs from your harvest.
- Store them in a cool, dry place until fall planting.
By replanting your best cloves, you can improve your garlic’s quality over time.
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Garlic
Learning how to grow garlic is simple and highly rewarding. With the right variety, proper soil preparation, and good care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown garlic.
Are you ready to start growing garlic? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
