Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Garlic in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant cloves

September: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

October: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 12 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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16 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you started with good rich soil then you don't need to add more fert. Any all round fert will do. 10-14 N 4-8 P 10-14K @ 2-3 teaspoons per 9 L of water. Or use an organic fert at the recommended rate.
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09 Jun 18, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. I would like to know if I can plant garlic, tomatoe and green pepper now that it is mid-june?This is my first time to plant vege.
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09 Jun 18, Juping (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How and when do you grow garlic from seeds? I live in Wellington. Thank you.
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02 Jul 18, Cathrine (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Wellington and have garlic growing currently from clove. I like growing things from seed but growing from clove is far more efficient if it’s for a kitchen garden. I opted for organic garlic from Commonsense. Plant directly in situ pointed end up into a 5-7cm deep hole, July is ok, takes about 6 months before ready to harvest.
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25 May 18, vivien pietersen (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Looking to start producing garlic and live in Eastern Cape (stutterheim). Would appreciate knowing the best variety to grow.. is shade cloth needed... many thanks
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23 May 18, Bill Govender (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
II live ion the north coast of KZN. When can I plant garlic for home use
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15 May 18, Jodie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can garlic grow in pots
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16 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Garlic has fairly shallow roots, but it is important to make sure they have plenty of room to stretch out in the soil. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Half barrels and wooden crates work well, but you certainly do not need to buy a container for your garlic. The large black plastic containers that trees come in are a great choice, as are contractor buckets. Whatever container you use, make sure that it has drainage holes in the bottom. Place the container in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. Research on the internet.
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11 May 18, Tom Court (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi i have just recieved some garlic seed from China what is the best time to plant the seeds. I live at Napperby up north from Adelaide, about 17 km east of Port Pirie. Cheers Tom Court.
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14 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seeds or bulbs. Never grown garlic but I would grow it from the bulbs - a lot quicker I think. Go on the internet and read up about it. They had a good TV show on garlic last weekend on ABC Gardening Australia. Check their website - probably a video of it. A saying plant shortest day of year and harvest longest day of the year.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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