How to Grow Garlic: Complete Home & Garden Guide

Growing garlic is easy and rewarding, whether in a home garden or containers. Here’s a complete guide to help you successfully grow garlic from planting to harvest.

1. Choosing Garlic Varieties

There are two main types of garlic:

Hardneck Garlic – Best for colder climates, produces scapes (edible flower stalks), and has a stronger flavor.
Softneck Garlic – Suitable for warmer climates, stores longer, and has more cloves per bulb.

2. When to Plant Garlic

Best Time: Fall (September–November) for larger bulbs. Spring planting is possible but yields smaller bulbs.
Soil Temperature: Ideal at 50°F (10°C) for root development before winter dormancy.

3. Preparing the Soil

Well-drained, loose soil with good organic matter.
pH Level: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Add compost or aged manure for nutrients.

4. How to Plant Garlic

Break the bulb into individual cloves (do not peel them).
Plant cloves 2 inches deep with the pointed end up.
Spacing: 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
Mulch with straw or leaves to protect from cold and retain moisture.

5. Watering & Care

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering once leaves start yellowing in late spring.
Remove weeds to prevent competition.
Hardneck varieties: Cut scapes when they appear for larger bulbs.

6. Fertilizing Garlic

Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like fish emulsion or compost tea) in early spring.
Stop fertilizing when bulbs begin to swell (around May/June).

7. Harvesting Garlic

Signs of Readiness: Lower leaves turn brown while the top remains green.
Harvest Time: Late spring to mid-summer (June–July), about 8-9 months after planting.
Use a garden fork to lift bulbs—don’t pull by hand.

8. Curing & Storing Garlic

Hang or lay bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks.
Remove excess dirt, trim roots, and cut stems.
Store in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) for long-term use.

human hand planting garlic pods into the dirt

Growing garlic in containers is a great option if you have limited space or poor soil. Here’s how to do it successfully:

1. Choosing the Right Container

Use a pot at least 8–12 inches deep for proper root growth.
The width depends on how many cloves you want to plant—each clove needs about 6 inches of space.
Ensure good drainage (holes at the bottom).

2. Best Garlic for Containers

Softneck varieties are better for mild climates and small spaces.
Hardneck varieties work well but may need extra winter protection.

3. Potting Mix for Garlic

Use well-draining, loose soil with organic matter.
A mix of potting soil + compost + perlite or sand is ideal.
pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.

4. How to Plant Garlic in a Pot

Break the bulb into individual cloves (keep the skins on).
Plant cloves 2 inches deep, pointed end up.
Spacing: At least 6 inches apart to allow bulb growth.
Cover with mulch (straw, shredded leaves) for moisture retention.

5. Watering & Sunlight

Garlic needs full sun (6–8 hours per day).
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—too much water causes rot.
Reduce watering once the leaves start yellowing.

6. Fertilizing Garlic in Containers

Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like compost tea or fish emulsion) every 3–4 weeks in early growth stages.
Stop fertilizing when bulbs begin to swell (late spring).

7. Harvesting & Storing Garlic

Harvest Time: Late spring to early summer (when leaves turn brown).
Cure bulbs by drying them in a well-ventilated area for 2–4 weeks.
Store in a cool, dry place for long-term use.

Extra Tips for Success

✅ Use a deep container to encourage strong root growth.
✅ Avoid overwatering—containers dry out faster but don’t let soil stay soggy.
✅ Protect in winter—if in a cold climate, move the container to a sheltered area or add extra mulch.

woman planting garlic sprouts in the ground

Choosing the best garlic variety depends on your climate and growing conditions. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Best Garlic for Cold Climates (Hardneck Varieties)

Hardneck garlic thrives in areas with cold winters (below freezing). These varieties produce scapes (flower stalks) and have a stronger flavor.

Top Picks for Cold Climates:

Rocambole – Rich, complex flavor; easy to peel.
Porcelain – Large cloves, high allicin (good for health).
Purple Stripe – Spicy, great for roasting.
Music – Mild, buttery flavor; very hardy.
German Extra Hardy – Strong, bold taste; good for long winters.

Tip: Plant hardneck garlic in fall and mulch heavily for protection.

Best Garlic for Warm Climates (Softneck Varieties)

Softneck garlic does better in mild winters and warmer regions. It stores longer and is commonly found in grocery stores.

Top Picks for Warm Climates:

Silverskin – Stores up to 12 months, strong flavor.
Artichoke – Mild, great for beginners.
California Early & Late – Classic store-bought type, easy to grow.
Inchelium Red – Sweet, mild flavor, great for braiding.
Creole Garlic – Best for hot climates, rich taste.

Tip: If growing softneck garlic in a hot climate, provide partial shade in extreme heat.

Can You Grow Hardneck Garlic in Warm Climates?

Yes, but it requires cold stratification (storing cloves in the fridge for 6-8 weeks before planting). This tricks garlic into thinking it experienced winter.

Now you are ready to grow your own garlic. If you have tried these steps, let us know your experience in the comments below.

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How to Grow Garlic: Complete Home & Garden Guide