Vegetable growing guide
Garlic
Allium sativum
Sun
Full sun
Season
Cool
Maturity
8 to 9 months
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.0
Spacing
4 to 6 in
Planting garlic
Plant cloves in fall, 4 to 6 weeks before the ground freezes, for the biggest bulbs. Spring planting works but yields smaller heads.
Planting details
- Plant cloves point-up, 2 inches deep
- Spacing: 4 to 6 inches
- Use seed garlic, not supermarket bulbs, which may carry disease
Growing requirements
Garlic needs full sun, fertile well-drained soil, and a cold period to split into cloves. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and buffer winter temperatures.
Harvesting and care
Cut scapes on hardneck types in early summer to send energy to the bulb. Harvest when lower leaves yellow; cure for 2 to 3 weeks before storing.
Common mistakes
- Planting in spring instead of fall, which cuts bulb size sharply
- Leaving scapes on, which trades bulb size for flower
- Pulling bulbs late after skins split, which ruins storage life
Companion plants
Garlic grows among roses, fruit trees, and lettuce without trouble. Keep it away from peas and beans.