It's Garlic Planting Time!

As the crisp autumn air settles in, anticipation builds for one of the most satisfying gardening tasks: garlic planting! This little bulb is a kitchen essential and a gardener's joy. With the right preparation and care, you can look forward to a fantastic harvest next summer. In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to ensure your garlic flourishes and delivers robust flavor.

Garlic bulbs ready for planting

Choosing the Right Garlic Variety

Selecting the proper garlic variety is the first and crucial step. There are primarily two types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic often has a more intense flavor, making it a favorite for cooks looking to elevate their dishes. Ideal for regions with cold winters, hardneck garlic also produces attractive flower stalks. On the other hand, softneck garlic is versatile and has a longer shelf life, making it a favorite among farmers in milder climates.

In the U.S., hardneck varieties account for roughly 20% of the market, while softneck varieties make up the remaining 80%. The University of Arkansas Agricultural Extension recommends the following varieties for our area:

Softneck Garlic	Hardneck Garlic
Italian Late	Korean Red
Silver Rose	Spanish Roja
Mild French Silverskin	Ajo Rojo
Inchelium Red	German Extra Hardy
California Early	Purple Italian
California Late
Early Red Italian

Preparing the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-drained, rich soil. Start by picking a sunny location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Aim for soil that is loose and fertile and at least 12 inches deep. I grow all my garlic in raised beds given the rocky soil found in Arkansas.

To prepare the soil incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, which can enhance soil fertility by adding essential nutrients. Testing your soil pH is also highly beneficial; garlic prefers a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, adding lime can help adjust it.

Planting Garlic Cloves

Once your soil is ready, it’s planting time! Use healthy, disease-free garlic bulbs from reputable sources. I like Keene Garlic and saving my own seed from last year's harvest. Separate the bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the protective papery skins intact to prevent disease. If they happen to fall off, no big deal. Go ahead and plant them anyway.

Plant the cloves 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, ensuring the pointed end is facing up. Maintain 12 inches between rows to allow easy access and improve airflow for the growing plants. If following the square foot gardening method, you can plant 4 cloves of the bigger garlic varieties (e.g. elephant garlic) per square foot or 9 cloves per square foot for most varieties.

Watering and Mulching

After planting, give the garlic a good watering to help settle the soil around the cloves. Garlic prefers consistent moisture, especially in the initial growth stages, but take care not to overwater, as excess moisture can lead to rot.

A 4 inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. This simple step makes a significant difference in building a strong garlic crop.

Caring for Your Garlic

As your garlic starts to sprout, regular maintenance is vital. Be vigilant against weeds, which compete for vital nutrients and water. Hand-pulling weeds is an effective approach, minimizing disruption to the garlic's root system.

In early spring, consider applying a balanced fertilizer to stimulate growth. A typical recommendation is about 1 pound per 100 square feet, providing essential nutrients without overwhelming the plants.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

While garlic has natural resistance to many pests and diseases, staying observant is still important. Common issues include aphids and white rot. Early detection is key, and many organic methods are available to manage these problems, such as insecticidal soaps or neem oil.

Regular checks on your garlic plants will help ensure they stay healthy and productive through the growing season.

Harvesting Your Garlic

As summer rolls in, your garlic will be ready for harvest! The ideal time to harvest is when the lower 4 leaves start browning, but the upper leaves remain green.

To harvest, carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. You can then gently pull the bulbs out by hand, shaking off any excess soil.

Garlic bulbs drying on a table

Curing and Storing Garlic

Post-harvest, curing your garlic is essential for maximizing flavor and extending shelf life. Hang the bulbs in a cool, dry, dark place with good air circulation for two to three weeks.

Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stems, leaving about an inch of the stem attached to the bulb. Store your garlic in a cool, dark area, and enjoy for several months—research shows properly cured garlic can last up to six months.

Wrapping Up

Garlic planting season is an exhilarating time for us gardeners. By following these vital steps, you can pave the way for a rewarding harvest next summer. Each phase, from variety selection to post-harvest care, plays an important role in growing flavorful garlic.

So, get your gardening gloves on, prepare your soil, and prepare to relish the rewards of your efforts. Happy planting!