Tips for planting garlic

If you want to grow your own garlic next summer, fall is the best time to get started! Garlic is planted in the fall so the cloves can develop roots before winter and be ready to grow as soon as spring arrives.

When to Plant

The best time to plant garlic is from late September to mid-October. Planting during this window gives the cloves enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes.

How to Plant Garlic

1. Prepare the soil

Choose a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil. Garlic does not like to sit in wet soil, especially over winter.

2. Separate the cloves

Break the garlic bulb apart into individual cloves. Keep as much of the papery skin around each clove as possible. Choose the largest, healthiest cloves for planting.

3. Plant the cloves

Plant each clove pointed end up, about 2–3 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart. Space rows about 8–12 inches apart if planting multiple rows.

4. Add a layer of mulch

After planting, cover the garlic bed with a layer of straw mulch. Straw helps insulate the cloves through the winter and protects them from temperature changes.

What Happens Next?

Once planted, your garlic will develop roots in the fall and then go dormant over winter.

Don't worry if you see some growth before winter—it is normal. The garlic will begin growing again in spring.

Remove or thin the straw mulch in spring once growth begins, but leave enough to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

With a little preparation in the fall, you'll be on your way to harvesting your own fresh garlic next summer!