Garlic

Allium sativum · Vegetable

One of the easiest crops to grow: plant cloves in autumn and lift full bulbs the next summer. It needs a cold spell to form proper bulbs and very little attention in between. Good drainage is the one thing it cannot do without.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun

Water

About 1 in per week in spring; stop 2–3 weeks before harvest

Soil

Loose, well-drained, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–7.0

Temperature

Needs 4–8 weeks below 45 °F to form bulbs

Spacing

6 in apart, rows 12 in apart

Container

At least 3 gallons, 8 in deep

Harvest

8–9 months from autumn planting (estimated)

Lifespan

Grown as an annual

When?

Plant cloves in autumn, roughly 3–6 weeks before the ground freezes, so roots form before winter. In mild-winter areas planting runs into early winter. Harvest comes in early to mid summer (estimated).

Step by step

1. Buy seed garlic from a garden supplier; shop bulbs may be treated or poorly adapted.
2. Split bulbs into cloves just before planting, keeping the papery skin on.
3. Plant each clove pointed end up, 2 in deep.
4. Cover with 3–4 in of straw or leaf mulch for winter.
5. Feed lightly in early spring when green shoots start growing again.
6. Snap off curly flower stalks (scapes) on hardneck types; they are edible.
7. Stop watering when about half the leaves have turned brown.
8. Lift bulbs carefully and dry them in an airy, shaded place for 2–3 weeks.

Common problems

Pets

Garlic is toxic to cats and dogs, including the bulb, leaves and cooked or powdered forms. Keep plants and kitchen garlic out of reach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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