Growing garlic is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening projects I’ve taken on. With just a few bulbs, you can have a steady supply of fresh, flavorful garlic for your kitchen. I’m excited to walk you through the steps I follow to grow garlic in my garden, and trust me—if I can do it, so can you!
1. PICKING THE PERFECT GARLIC: CHOOSING THE BEST VARIETY FOR YOUR GARDEN
When I first started growing garlic, I learned there are two main types: hardneck and softneck.
Hardneck varieties thrive in cooler climates and produce those tasty garlic scapes, while softneck garlic is better suited for warmer regions and is perfect for long-term storage. I grow softneck varieties here in Central Texas, and there are several varieties I love experimenting with to see which ones do best in my garden.
PRO TIP: If you’re new to growing garlic, try planting a couple of different varieties to find out which works best for you.
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2. WHERE TO BUY GARLIC BULBS FOR PLANTING
I usually recommend avoiding garlic from the grocery store, as it’s often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, I head to local nurseries, garden centers, or order online from trusted suppliers to get certified seed garlic. These bulbs are specifically meant for planting and are disease-free, which is important for healthy growth.
PRO TIP: Look for organic seed garlic to avoid any chemicals that might affect your harvest.
It’s always great when you can shop local. If you’re not able to find any local, then here are a few online retailers that sell garlic bulbs for planting: Botanical Interests, High Mowing Seeds, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and Renee’s Garden.
One last option is to buy organic garlic from a local grocery store. This is the least reliable option but definitely worth trying if you’re in a pinch and can’t buy garlic locally or online.
Can You Grow Garlic from Seeds?
While it’s possible to grow garlic from seeds, it’s much faster and easier to plant large, healthy garlic cloves. Garlic grown from seed can take 2 to 3 years (yes, years) to mature into a full bulb that’s ready for harvest, whereas cloves will produce harvestable garlic within a single season.
3. WHEN TO PLANT GARLIC IN THE GARDEN
Garlic is typically planted in the fall, and I aim to get mine in the ground about four to six weeks before the first hard frost. This timing gives the cloves enough time to establish roots before winter sets in. If you live in a warmer area, you can plant garlic later in the fall, or even in early winter.
PRO TIP: If you’re not sure when to plant, shoot for late September or October if you live in a cooler climate.
4. HOW TO PLANT GARLIC BULBS IN YOUR GARDEN
Before planting your garlic make sure you have picked a sunny location! Garlic needs full sun for proper developement of the bulbs. Plant your garlic in an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hrs of sun. If you give your garlic too much shade, prepare for bulbs that are disappointing in size or that take forever to form.
Garlic grows best in loose, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Before planting, I always mix in plenty of compost or aged manure to give the soil a boost. I also make sure to break up any large clumps or remove stones that could get in the way of garlic’s root development. Next, add some all purpose fertilizer such as Microlife’s Multi-Purpose Fertilizer before planting.
Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the paper skins intact. Soak the cloves for a few hours, or overnight (but no more than 24 hours), in water mixed with liquid seaweed. I personally recommend Microlife’s Super Seaweed for this step.
When you’re ready to plant, place each clove pointy end up, 2 to 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart. You can plant them in neat rows, or tuck cloves into any empty spaces around your garden for a more casual approach. I love growing garlic this way because each garlic plant helps protect neighboring crops from pests.
5. HOW TO CARE FOR GARLIC PLANTS: WATERING AND FERTILIZING
After planting, I give the garlic a good soak to help the roots establish. Throughout winter, garlic doesn’t need much water, but come spring, I make sure to keep the soil evenly moist as the bulbs begin to grow. I also like to give the plants a dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring to help them along.
PRO TIP: Stop watering your garlic when the leaves start to turn yellow—this means the bulbs are nearing maturity and need to dry out before harvesting.
6. WHEN TO HARVEST GARLIC BULBS
Most softneck garlic is ready to harvest within 6 to 8 months of planting, depending on the weather and the variety of garlic planted. The best way to know when garlic is ready for harvest is when half of the lower leaves have turned brown. Pull up one garlic bulb to see if it’s ready.
After the garlic is harvested, don’t wash off the dirt. The garlic needs to dry and cure for proper long-term storage. Place the garlic, in a single layer, on slatted shelves or a drying rack to allow for proper airflow. It’s best to do this inside a garage or house or anywhere that it is dry with a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees.
PRO TIP: Use a small fan to keep air circulation while drying.
7. HOW TO STORE GARLIC LONG TERM
After harvesting, I let the garlic cure in a cool, dry place for two to three weeks. Once the bulbs are fully dried, I trim the roots and stalks, and store them in a well-ventilated container like a mesh bag or basket. I keep them at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for the best results.
PRO TIP: Properly cured and stored garlic can last for months, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your homegrown harvest!
Growing garlic has been such a fun and easy addition to my garden, and I love that it requires so little maintenance. With a bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy a bountiful garlic harvest too. Whether you’re brand new to gardening or a seasoned pro, growing garlic is one project I highly recommend adding to your list!
Very informative article. I have tried to grow garlic but was always unsuccessful. Only harvested some greens, no bulbs.