Garlic, a kitchen staple with a rich history, is not only a flavor enhancer but also a rewarding addition to any home garden. Growing your own garlic is surprisingly easy, and the results are far superior to store-bought bulbs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to plant and care for garlic, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Types of Garlic: Softneck vs. Hardneck
There are two main types of garlic: Softneck and hardneck. Here are the key differenced between them.
| Softneck | Hardneck | |
| Stem and Neck | This variety has soft, pliable stem and does not produce a hard, central stalk. This garlic garlic has a flexible neck, making it easier to braid. This characteristic is why it’s often associated with the classic garlic braids seen in kitchens. | This variety produces a stiff, central stalk known as a “scape.” The scape often curls and produces bulbils (small bulbs) at the top. The neck of hardneck garlic is firm and not suitable for braiding. |
| Clove Arrangement | More cloves, arranged in multiple layers around the central stem. The cloves are typically smaller compared to hardneck varieties. | Fewer but larger cloves, arranged in a single layer around the central stalk. |
| Flavor | Milder flavor compared to hardneck garlic. | Stronger, more robust flavor |
| Storage | Longer shelf life, better suited for braiding and hanging. Preferred choice for long-term storage. | Shorter storage life compared to softneck varieties. |
| Adaptability | Well-suited for a variety of climates, including milder regions. | Well-adapted to colder climates, favored by gardeners in northern regions. |
| Harvest Time | Usually ready for harvest earlier in the growing season. | Typically harvested later in the growing season compared to softneck garlic. |
As I live in Zone 4, I planted Georgian Fire and Russian Fire, both of which are hardneck varieties in 2022. This year I planted a variety of hardneck garlic: Music, Estonian, Krasnodar, Siberian, Korean Red (Wisconsin) and German Extra hardy.
The choice between softneck and hardneck garlic depends on factors such as flavor preference, storage needs, and the climate of your growing region. Softneck garlic is more versatile and stores well, while hardneck garlic offers a stronger flavor profile but may have a shorter shelf life.
Where to Get Seed Garlic
Quality seed garlic is the foundation of a successful harvest. Choose bulbs that are firm, disease-free, and specifically labeled as suitable for planting.
- Local nurseries or garden centers: Obtaining seed garlic from local nurseries or garden centers is a good option, as they are likely to carry garlic that is well-suited for your region. I purchased some from a local nursery, where they specifically offer hardneck garlic, recognizing it as the best variety for this region.
- Local famer’s market
- Online suppliers: Numerous online garlic suppliers are available. I bought mine from Keene Garlic as they offer organic seed garlic and have “Garlic Sampler Package” which is that the specialists at Keene Garlic will select the varieties included in your sampler pack.
- Grocery stores: You can use garlic from a grocery store, but it is generally not recommended. Grocery store garlic is often treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting and extend shelf life. This treatment can affect the garlic’s ability to sprout and grow when planted. Additionally, store-bought garlic is typically not labeled by variety, and it is mostly softneck garlic. If you live in a cold region, garlic bulbs from grocery stores would not be well-suited for your local climate and growing conditions.
How to Prepare to Plant Garlic
Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in well-aerated and well-draining soil. Ensure your garden bed receives ample sunlight and has good air circulation.
Fertilization
Garlic is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients.
How to Plant Garlic
Timing
Plant garlic in the fall, ideally a few weeks before your first hard frost. This gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter.
3 Simple Steps to Plant Garlic
- Separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves just before planting. Ensure each has its papery skin intact.
- Plant cloves as root side facing down and pointed side facing up, about 2 inches deep and 6-9 inches apart. Space rows at least 12 inches rows.
- Apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch. Mulching materials such as straw, grass clippings, or chopped leaves can be used. Mulching helps suppress weeds around garlic, retains soil moisture, and insulates against temperature extremes.
How to Care Garlic Plant
Watering
Garlic prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season in spring. However, avoid waterlogged conditions as garlic bulbs can rot in waterlogged
Fertilizing
Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and again when scapes appear. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of bulb development.
Scaping
Remove garlic scapes (flower stems) to redirect energy to bulb development. These scapes are edible. You can stir-fry them or make pesto sauce or salad dressings.
Weeding
Keep the area around garlic weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
When and How to Harvest Garlic
Harvest Time
Harvest garlic in late spring or early summer when the lower leaves begin to yellow but there are still green leaves at the top. You can gently lift the bulbs by hand or use a garden fork to carefully unearth them, avoiding any damage.
Curing
Curing garlic is an important step in the harvesting process that helps improve its flavor, storage quality, and shelf life. Gently brush off excess soil, trim the roots and excess foliage, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the bulb. This helps the garlic bulbs dry more evenly.
Choose a well-ventilated, dry, and shaded location for curing. Hanging the garlic or placing it on a mesh or wire rack allows for better air circulation.
The garlic is ready when the outer skins are papery and the cloves inside feel firm. The stems should be thoroughly dry.
Trim the dried stems and roots to about 1 inch from the bulb. This makes the garlic neater and more convenient for storage. You can store garlic bulbs in a mesh bag, hanging braids or open baskets for good air circulation.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own flavorful garlic. Happy gardening!
Fall Planting: You can also plant tulips in fall. If you are interested about learning how to grow tulips, please read this post.
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