How to Plant Garlic

Growing garlic is easy. It starts with a well-prepared planting site so that you can get the most out of your harvest. Find out more about growing garlic.

Garlic originated in central Asia dating back thousands of years. Humans have long since been enjoying garlic as a staple food ingredient as well as medicinal remedy with many uses — from fighting infection to improving digestion. Garlic is a member of the Allium genus, which includes onions, leeks, and shallots.

Garlic bulbs, also called "heads", contain several cloves which are used in a wide range of culinary dishes. These cloves also happen to be what you plant when growing garlic. When in the ground, the bulb is where nutrients are stored for survival during drought or other stressful weather.

There are a few things to keep in mind when growing garlic. To start, there are two main types of garlic plants:

Hardneck Garlic

Develops scapes, or flower stalks (see examples here)
More similar to wild garlic
Not intended for long storage

Softneck Garlic

Does not develop scapes
Common; like grocery store garlic
Stores well

Our garlic varieties consist of softneck and hardneck types, which are appropriate for growing in Zones 3-9.

How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.

Planting garlic is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, leads to a rewarding harvest. Garlic is typically planted in the fall to allow the cloves to develop roots before winter and take advantage of early spring growth. View our in-depth video on how to plant garlic successfully.

Planting & Growing Garlic

Planting garlic is easy. It all starts with a well-prepared planting site so that you can get the most out of your garlic planting. Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil is ideal for a sizable garlic harvest, so if your soil is porous and sandy, or heavy and clayey, be sure to amend with organic matter (like compost and coco-fiber growing medium) to add nutrients and more adequately distribute the water in your garlic bed. Garlic bulbs may become misshapen in dense, heavy soils. Garlic will thrive in planting sites with lots of organic matter!

Dig holes at least 4- to 6-inches apart, and space rows at least 6-inches apart.
To plant, separate the garlic bulbs into cloves.
Plant cloves 2-inches deep, flat-side down, pointed end up.
Water thoroughly after planting. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer as needed.

Planting notes: When planting in spring, be sure to mulch to protect against cold snaps and also to keep newly planted garlic bulbs from drying out. If planting in fall, be sure to add a layer of mulch for protection, about 4- to 6-inches works. Fall-planted as well as spring-planted garlic bulbs are both still harvested in summer.

Harvesting Garlic

Harvest, depending on the variety you're growing, is about 90-150 days after planting. Be sure to plan so that your garlic harvest happens before your estimated first frost date in your location.

Harvest when lower leaves turn brown. Some of the upper leaves may still be green.
Lift the entire plant from the ground, leaves and all.
Carefully shake loose the soil as much as possible.
Allow plants to dry in a shaded, dry place for about a week to two weeks, to cure. If weather and critters permit, you can simply leave the garlic to dry in your garden.
After curing, remove roots and leaves and store in a moisture-free place indoors. Garlic is ready for storage and use after the curing process!