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Steps
1
Prepare the planting site or container. For gardens, choose a spot with full sun exposure and well-draining, neutral soil (pH 6.5–7.0). If using containers, ensure they are at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes and filled with a loose potting mix. Mix in compost to increase fertility.
2
Prepare the garlic cloves. Break the seed bulbs apart into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. For hardneck varieties grown in warm climates, refrigerate cloves in a paper bag for 8 to 10 weeks (vernalization) to simulate winter dormancy before planting.
3
Sow the cloves in the fall, typically 6–8 weeks before the first frost. Plant cloves 1 to 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. Space cloves 3 to 6 inches apart. Tip: Larger cloves generally produce larger bulbs.
4
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as 2 to 4 inches of seedless straw, over the planting area. This protects the cloves from extreme temperature swings and retains soil moisture throughout the winter.
5
Care for the plants during the spring and summer. Water once a week (approximately 1 inch of water) starting in spring, but stop watering in midsummer once leaves begin to turn yellow to prevent bulbs from rotting. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early and late spring.
6
Maintain the plant by removing weeds weekly. For hardneck varieties, use pruning shears to cut off the flower stems (scapes) before they uncurl to redirect energy into the bulb.
7
Harvest the garlic in midsummer when the lower third of the leaves have turned brown or yellow. Use a trowel or garden fork to loosen the soil and gently lift the bulbs out of the ground.
8
Cure the bulbs in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space for 3 to 6 weeks. Keep roots and leaves attached initially, then trim the roots and stems (leaving about 1.5 inches of stem) once cured before storing in a cool, dry place.
Pro Tips
Avoid planting garlic bought from grocery stores as it is often chemically treated to prevent sprouting.
Rotate the location of your garlic crop each year to avoid stripping the soil of nutrients.
Hardneck garlic is better for cold climates, while softneck varieties prefer milder winters.