Want to grow the best garlic ever?
You’ve come to the right place!
With just 5 essential tips, you can have garlic that’s bursting with flavor and health benefits.
Ready to make your garden dreams come true?
Let’s dig in!
Choose the Right Garlic Variety
When growing garlic, the first thing you need to do is pick the right variety. There are two main types: hardneck and softneck.
If you live somewhere with cold winters, hardneck garlic might be the way to go. It’s known for its strong flavor and is more tolerant of cold weather. On the flip side, if you have milder winters, softneck garlic might be a better bet.
It has a milder taste and tends to store better. Either way, make sure to buy from a local nursery or reputable online store—grocery store garlic often won’t grow well.
Plant at the Right Time
Timing is key when it comes to garlic. Generally, you’ll want to plant garlic in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes.
This gives the cloves enough time to establish roots before winter hits. If you’re in a warmer climate, you can plant garlic in early spring, but fall planting usually yields better results. Check your local planting calendar to b
Prepare the Soil
Garlic isn’t super picky, but it thrives in well-draining, rich soil. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 inches.
You might want to mix in some compost or well-rotted manure for an extra nutrient boost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
This will help your garlic grow big and healthy. And remember, garlic doesn’t like soggy feet, so avoid areas where water tends to pool.
Space It Out
When it comes to planting, give your garlic some space. Place each clove about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
Space them 6-8 inches apart in rows that are about a foot apart. This spacing gives each plant enough room to grow without competing for nutrients.
Proper spacing also helps with air circulation, which can prevent diseases from ruining your crop. Just pop them in, cover them up, and you’re good to go!
Water Wisely
Garlic likes consistent moisture, especially early on and during the bulb-forming stage. However, it doesn’t like to be waterlogged.
Water your garlic plants deeply but less frequently, about once a week is usually enough. If you’re in an area with regular rain, you might not need to water at all.
As the harvest time approaches, usually mid to late summer, you’ll want to cut back on watering. This helps the bulbs form a nice, tight skin and makes them easier to store.