Garlic Planting Guide

Garlic is easy to grow, but growing big, beautiful bulbs takes a little planning. Garlic is a heavy feeder, and good soil, proper fertilization, and consistent moisture make a real difference in your June harvest.

When and Where to Plant

Fall is garlic planting season. Here in western North Carolina, October and November are generally good planting months.

Choose a spot with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Raised beds are a good option if your soil tends to stay wet.

Separate your seed garlic into individual cloves just before planting. Choose the largest, healthiest cloves and leave their papery skins intact.

Plant cloves pointed end up, 2 to 3 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. Allow 10 to 12 inches between rows.

Water thoroughly after planting, then cover with 2 to 3 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or other loose organic mulch.

Garlic Needs Fertilizer!

Garlic is a heavy feeder, and we recommend fertilizing twice: once at planting and again in early spring.

In fall, work finished compost and a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil. This supports root establishment and builds fertility for the growing season ahead. A soil test can help identify any additional nutrient needs.

In spring, garlic needs plenty of nitrogen to produce strong, healthy leaves. Those leaves supply the energy that eventually goes into growing large bulbs. Potassium and other nutrients are important as well.

Our Organic Garlic Fertilizer Kit uses a two-part system designed around these different stages:

• Fall Planting Blend: Balanced organic fertilizer, bone meal, worm castings, gypsum, kelp, and other amendments to support roots and soil fertility.
• Spring Growth & Bulbing Blend: Blood meal for nitrogen, sulfate of potash for potassium, and additional organic amendments to support vigorous growth and bulb development.

You can follow the same approach with your own fertilizers. Feed at planting, then side-dress when active growth resumes in spring. Follow fertilizer application rates, water it in well, and avoid applying concentrated fertilizer directly against the cloves or stems.

Stop high-nitrogen feeding once the bulbs begin swelling.

Watering and Weeding

Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during spring growth and bulb development. In garden beds, aim for roughly an inch of water per week, including rainfall, adjusting for your soil and weather.

Keep weeds under control so they aren't competing with your garlic for water and nutrients. As harvest approaches and the lower leaves begin turning brown, gradually reduce watering.

Growing Garlic in Containers

Garlic grows well in containers, too. Choose a pot at least 10 to 12 inches deep with good drainage. Use quality potting mix amended with compost and organic fertilizer, and space cloves 4 to 6 inches apart.

Container-grown garlic needs extra attention to watering. Pots dry out much faster than garden beds, particularly during warm spring weather. Check the soil regularly and water thoroughly when the upper layer begins to dry.

Container garlic also needs fertilizer in both fall and spring. Just adjust the amounts to your container size.

Harvesting Your Garlic

Here in western North Carolina, garlic is often ready to harvest in June, depending on the variety and weather.

Hardneck varieties produce curly flower stalks called scapes in late spring. Cut these while they're tender and enjoy them in the kitchen. Removing them also helps the plant put more energy into its bulbs.

Harvest when the lower leaves have turned brown but several upper leaves are still green. Carefully loosen the soil and lift the bulbs without bruising them.

Cure garlic in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated place for two to four weeks before trimming and storing.

With good seed garlic, fertile soil, and regular care, you'll be well on your way to growing big, healthy bulbs for the kitchen and pantry.

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