Watering Garlic Bulbs
Watering is essential to all plants in your garden, and garlic is no exception. Garlic requires regular watering, but too much water can cause issues. Even watering is the goal! The better care your garlic receives during the growing season, the more likely you’ll have a bountiful harvest.
NOTE: This is part 8 in a series of 9 articles. For a complete background on how to grow garlic bulbs, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Watering
Water thoroughly after planting, and regularly thereafter—about once a week. There is no need to water fall-planted garlic over the dormant winter months if there is regular rain/snowfall.
Note that sandy soils will require more water than loamy soils; garlic will not grow well in clay soils because it will be too wet much of the time.
Garlic has shallow roots, so if the soil at the base of the plant is dry, water the plant right away, but do not overwater. Garlic is susceptible to rot. Always water in the morning so the sun can dry out the leaves.
If the long, slender leaves develop a yellowish color, reduce watering. About 2 weeks prior to harvest, stop watering altogether—you’ll know when the time is right because the tops will be green and the bottom leaves will be brown.
