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Knowing the optimal time to plant garlic is crucial for a successful harvest. While garlic thrives in cooler temperatures, the specific planting timeframe varies based on your gardening zone. For instance, gardeners in zone 7 typically plant garlic in mid-October, whereas those in zone 10 may wait until December. Regardless of your location, the soil temperature is the most important factor to consider when planting garlic. Here, gardening experts provide insights on when to plant garlic and the consequences of planting too early or too late.
Meet the Experts
Adam Weiss, gardener and founder of Pike Lane Gardens, a wellness program promoting organic vegetable gardening in workplaces
Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum, an app for plant identification and care improvement
Sara Rubens, certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary, aiding gardeners in planning and executing kitchen gardens
Related: How to Determine When Garlic is Ready for Harvest—Plus Optimal Harvesting Techniques
Ideal Planting Time for Garlic
Garlic is ideally planted in late fall, typically between mid-October and early November, but can be planted later in warmer zones. The recommended soil temperature for planting is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. “Garlic thrives over winter in garden beds or containers, enduring freezing temperatures and snow,” notes Adam Weiss. This cold period is crucial for proper bulb development, resulting in larger cloves.
Some garlic varieties can also be planted in early spring. “For spring planting, you can mimic cold exposure by storing cloves in paper bags in the fridge for a few weeks,” suggests Julia Omelchenko. This process aids in bulb development. “After exposure to cold, the garlic can be planted in spring,” she explains.
Consequences of Planting Garlic Too Early
Planting garlic too early can lead to issues. “Premature germination may occur, resulting in taller shoots that struggle in freezing temperatures,” warns Weiss. Additionally, early green shoots are susceptible to frost, which can hinder growth or shrink bulbs. “While the plant may survive, it will expend extra energy in spring to recover, leading to a reduced harvest,” adds Omelchenko. Excessive leafy growth early on can also hinder root development, resulting in a weaker garlic crop.
Implications of Planting Garlic Too Late
Planting garlic too late, as the ground begins to freeze, can cause significant challenges. “Cloves lacking sufficient time to establish a robust root system before winter dormancy may struggle to survive,” Omelchenko explains. Without well-developed roots for stability, garlic cloves may be pushed out of the soil and freeze. “Even if the cloves remain in the ground, poor root development will impede growth in spring,” she adds. A weakened plant will focus on rebuilding its root system rather than leaf growth and bulb formation, leading to a delayed harvest.
Garlic Planting Tips
Select firm and healthy garlic cloves for planting to ensure a successful crop. Avoid shriveled, soft, moldy, or rotting cloves. Prepare the soil by choosing loose, well-draining, fertile soil. Add compost for organic matter and improve drainage by mixing in coarse sand if the soil is heavy. Avoid planting garlic in areas where water collects to prevent rotting.
Choose the appropriate type of garlic – hardneck garlic varieties are recommended, with over 1,200 options to choose from for different flavor profiles. Plant cloves with their tips facing up, separate them from the bulb, remove the dry outer skin, and plant them 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
After planting, mulch the area with a layer of straw, coconut husk, or conifer branches to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Water the garlic deeply during active growth, especially during bulb formation, but avoid overwatering. Monitor for fungal diseases such as white rot, gray mold, or rust, and remove any diseased plants promptly to prevent the spread.
