Garlic is a versatile plant that is not only easy to grow but also offers many health benefits. In USDA hardiness zone 5b, which covers much of North America, average annual temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Winter temperatures can drop as low as -26.1°C to -23.3°C (-15°F to -10°F), while summer temperatures average 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). This climate provides ideal conditions for growing garlic, which thrives in cold winters to produce robust bulbs later.
When Should You Plant Garlic?
In regions with a climate similar to zone 5b, fall planting is the preferred method. Planting between mid-September and mid-October allows garlic to establish roots before the ground freezes. This fall planting promotes healthy growth and an early harvest the following summer. The garlic overwinters in the soil and starts growing vigorously with the first warm temperatures in spring.
However, spring planting is also possible if you miss the fall planting window or live in a milder climate. The ideal time for spring planting is between mid-February and mid-April. Keep in mind that the bulbs are often smaller because they have less time to grow. On the upside, spring garlic can be harvested slightly earlier.
The Best Garlic Varieties for Fall and Spring Planting
Choosing the right variety can be crucial for your garlic-growing success. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, which should be considered when making your choice.
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck varieties develop a stiff, flower-like stem in the center of the plant, known as the scape. They are particularly popular in regions with cold winters.
Advantages:
- Cold Hardiness: Ideal for colder climates, as they tolerate frost and harsh winter conditions.
- Flavor: Hardneck varieties often have a stronger and more complex flavor.
- Easy Harvesting: The bulbs are easier to lift from the soil due to their sturdy structure.
- Scapes: The edible scapes can be harvested and used as a vegetable, for example, in pestos or stir-fries.
Disadvantages:
- Shorter Storage Life: Hardneck garlic doesn’t store as long as softneck varieties and should be used within 4–6 months after harvest.
- Lower Yield: They produce fewer cloves per bulb, resulting in a smaller harvest.
Examples of Hardneck Varieties:
- ‘Music’: Extremely hardy, aromatic, and easy to grow.
- ‘German Red’: Strong in flavor and well-suited for fall planting.
Softneck Garlic
Softneck varieties lack a central stalk and are known for their long storage life. They thrive particularly well in warmer regions but can also be successfully grown in colder areas.
Advantages:
- Storage Life: Softneck garlic lasts 8–12 months, making it perfect for long-term storage.
- Higher Yield: They produce more cloves per bulb, leading to a larger harvest.
- Ideal for Braiding: Due to their flexible stems, softneck garlic can be woven into decorative garlic braids.
Disadvantages:
- Flavor: Often milder compared to hardneck varieties.
- Less Cold Hardy: Better suited for spring planting or milder winters.
Examples of Softneck Varieties:
- ‘Inchelium Red’: Mild and rich in flavor, perfect for spring planting.
- ‘California Early’: A fast-maturing variety with excellent storage potential.
By selecting the right variety, you can tailor your garlic-growing efforts to your climate and preferences. If you live in a colder region like zone 5b, hardneck varieties are better suited for fall planting. For spring planting and warmer regions, softneck varieties are an excellent choice, offering a higher yield and longer storage life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic
- Choose the Right Spot:
Garlic thrives in a sunny location with well-drained, slightly sandy soil. Ensure the area is protected from waterlogging. - Prepare the Soil:
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 20 cm (8 inches) and enrich it with organic compost or well-rotted manure. If needed, add lime to adjust the pH to a range of 6.0–7.0. - Separate the Cloves:
Break the bulbs into individual cloves. Select the largest and healthiest ones, as they will produce the strongest plants. - Planting:
Plant the cloves pointy side up, about 5 cm (2 inches) deep and 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart. Space rows about 30 cm (12 inches) apart. - Mulching:
Cover the planting area with a 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) layer of straw or leaves. This protects the soil from erosion and helps maintain a stable temperature. - Watering:
Water lightly after planting to help the cloves settle. During fall, no additional watering is usually needed as soil moisture is sufficient.
Ideal Soil for Garlic: Nutrient Requirements and Tips
Garlic is relatively low-maintenance but rewards good soil preparation with a bountiful harvest. It prefers humus-rich, loose soils that are well-draining. For optimal growth, the soil should contain the following nutrients:
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes vigorous leaf growth, providing the plant with energy.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports bulb development.
- Potassium (K): Enhances resistance to diseases and strengthens cell structure.
How to Check if Your Soil Contains These Nutrients
- Soil Test Kits: Available at garden centers or online, these kits provide quick insights into nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in your soil.
- Laboratory Soil Analysis: For detailed results, send a soil sample to a lab, where they will test nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter.
- Indicator Plants: Certain weeds can indicate soil conditions. For example, lush nettles suggest nitrogen-rich soil, while clover indicates potassium-rich soil.
- Visual Inspection: Look for symptoms like yellowing leaves (nitrogen deficiency) or weak roots (phosphorus deficiency).
Garlic as a Valuable Companion in the Garden
Garlic is more than just a seasoning – it plays an important role in the garden. Its strong scent repels many pests, including slugs, carrot flies, and aphids. This makes garlic an excellent companion for sensitive plants like carrots, tomatoes, and strawberries. Additionally, it protects roses from fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Garlic also pairs well with berry bushes such as raspberries and blackberries. Its pest-repelling properties benefit these plants, while also improving the soil and deterring harmful insects around fruit trees like apple or pear trees.
Plants That Don’t Get Along with Garlic
Despite its many benefits, there are plants that garlic doesn’t grow well with. Avoid planting garlic near legumes such as peas and beans, as they compete for nutrients and can stunt garlic’s growth. Likewise, asparagus and cabbage plants don’t thrive when grown close to garlic, as it can inhibit their root development. Be cautious around walnut trees, especially black walnuts, as they release juglone, a chemical that inhibits garlic growth.
Care During Growth
Keep the bed weed-free so the nutrients are available to the garlic. During spring, when growth resumes, garlic needs regular watering. Toward the end of the growing period, reduce watering to help the bulbs mature. Applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring can further support growth.
Harvest and Storage
Garlic is ready to harvest when about two-thirds of the leaves have turned yellow – usually in July or August. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and let them dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. After about two weeks, trim the leaves and store the bulbs. Softneck varieties can last up to 12 months if stored properly.
Learn more in our detailed plant profile.
Your Opinion Matters!
Have you grown garlic in your garden or are you planning to try it next season? Share your tips, experiences, and questions with us in the comments. We’re excited to hear from you and learn together about this versatile garden favorite!