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 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches 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

27 Sep 14, Glen (Australia - temperate climate)
I live on NSW far south coast, moved there quite recently. I planted garlic as usual at mid-winter, and it was fine for a while, then started looking unwell with some dead leaves. Gave a bit of blood and bone about three weeks ago, and now the lot has died. Disappeared. I've just dug it up, and there were a few small bulbs starting to form. The soil came from a supplier and was a soil and mushroom compost mix. Never had a problem before - dows anyone have any ideas as to what's wrong.
29 Sep 14, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Has it been wetter or warmer than usual? Maybe a fungal problem?
23 Sep 14, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
My garlic plants have been going well in virgin soil. I had netted the plants because they were being eaten by a wallaby, but air was able to circulate very well and plants looked great. Today I decided to water the garlic and was surprised to see trillions of tiny black insects (look like thrips) crawling all over each plant. I hosed off most of the insects but I want to spray to ensure they will not reinfest my plants again. Would it be ok to use soapy water spray or is it best to use pyrethrum at this stage? The plants will be ready to life Nov-Dec.
16 Sep 14, Munodawafa SD Mutopo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to plant garlic in Zimbabwe at the altitude of over 1500m (the Highveld). The soils are clay-loam with clay content of less than 24%. When should I plant and which variety and what is the time to harvest. Any recommended fertilizer regime?
11 Sep 14, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
Could I but a few Australian white garlic seed from you please. Kind regards Robert
07 Sep 14, Gail (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I panted garlic late April, lovely green foliage, but I check one last week and the bulbs look like spring onions. When will bulbs form? Do I wait for plants to die off
08 Apr 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
yes and you have to wait a while too.
07 Sep 14, Sunny (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What is a good crop to plant after I have harvested my garlic? Not all veggies like being planted in soil that has had garlic or onions.
24 Aug 14, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
I have seen recommendations for planting Garlic up to 8 cm deep. I tried last year with several rows at varying depths.The best were just pushed into the ground and about 1/2 inch of soil on top. Q:- Whats the best fertiliser for garlic and when should it be applied.NPK ratios Pls.
07 Jul 14, Julie Carville (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I bought mild garlic, but it is hot and wasn't supposed to be. Is this because I didn't water it steadily or enough, the soil, or some other reason that non-not garlic is hot (taste wise) when I harvest it.
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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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