Easy Tips, Best Varieties, and How to Grow Bigger, Sweeter Bulbs
If you’ve never planted garlic before, this is your year. Garlic is one of the easiest, most rewarding crops you can grow — no matter where you live. It’s the perfect “plant it and forget it” crop: tuck the cloves into the soil in fall, mulch them well, and let nature do the rest. By early summer, you’ll be pulling up plump, flavorful bulbs that taste better than anything you’ll find at the grocery store.
Whether you’re gardening in Zone 7b or somewhere cooler or warmer, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about planting, mulching, selecting the right varieties, and finding high-quality bulbs.
Why Plant Garlic in the Fall
Garlic is planted in the fall because it needs a long period of cold to develop strong roots and big bulbs. During the winter, while the rest of your garden sleeps, garlic is quietly working underground — building energy that bursts into green shoots come spring.
- In colder zones (Zones 3–6), garlic needs that chill to grow correctly.
- In milder climates (Zones 7–9), planting in the fall ensures bulbs have enough time to develop before the summer heat sets in.
- In warm zones (Zones 9–10), you may need to pre-chill your garlic in the refrigerator for 4–6 weeks before planting for optimal results.
Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic
Choosing the correct type of garlic for your climate matters. There are two main kinds:
Hardneck Garlic
- Best for colder climates
- Produces fewer but larger cloves
- Complex, rich flavors
- Forms a scape — a curly, edible flower stalk in late spring
- Popular Varieties:
- Music → Big, easy-to-peel cloves with bold flavor
- German Extra Hardy → Robust, classic garlic taste
- Chesnok Red → Sweet, perfect for roasting
Softneck Garlic
- Thrives in warmer regions
- Stores longer — up to 9–12 months
- Produces more cloves per bulb
- The type you’ll most often see braided
- Popular Varieties:
- Inchelium Red → Mild, rich flavor and excellent for braiding
- California Early → A reliable producer for Southern gardens
- Silver Rose → Delicate flavor, long storage life
How to Plant Garlic
The process is simple, but a few tricks can make a big difference in your harvest.
1. Choose Healthy Cloves
- Always start with quality seed garlic — not grocery store bulbs, which are often treated to prevent sprouting.
- Select firm, plump cloves and avoid those that are soft, shriveled, or damaged.
2. Prep the Soil
- Garlic loves loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Work in compost before planting — this sets the stage for strong roots.
- Ideal soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Planting Depth and Spacing
- Depth: Plant cloves 2 inches deep in Southern zones, 3–4 inches deep in colder climates for extra insulation.
- Spacing: Space cloves 4 inches apart in rows 6–8 inches apart.
- Plant cloves pointy side up — that’s where the green shoot emerges.
4. Mulching is Key
Mulch is garlic’s best friend. It insulates against temperature swings, keeps weeds down, and helps retain moisture.
- Use straw, pine needles, shredded leaves, or compost.
- In colder zones, apply a thicker 4–6 inch layer.
- In warmer zones, a lighter 2–3 inch mulch works perfectly.
Watering & Fertilizing Garlic
Garlic doesn’t need much water in the winter, but once spring hits and shoots appear:
- Water about 1 inch per week until about two weeks before harvest.
- Feed with compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage larger bulbs.
When to Harvest Garlic
Most garlic planted in the fall will be ready to harvest in early to mid-summer — usually June or July depending on your climate.
Signs it’s ready:
- Lower leaves start turning brown but the top leaves remain green.
- Gently dig one bulb to check — if the cloves are plump and well-formed, you’re good to go.
After harvesting, cure garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot for 2–4 weeks before storage.
Best Garlic Varieties by Region
| Zone | Best Type | Recommended Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–5 | Hardneck | Music, German Extra Hardy, Chesnok Red |
| Zones 6–7 | Both | Music, Inchelium Red, Silver Rose |
| Zones 8–9 | Softneck | California Early, Inchelium Red, Silver Rose |
| Zones 9–10 | Softneck (Pre-Chill) | California Late, Silver Rose |
Where to Buy Quality Garlic Bulbs
Skip the grocery store and buy seed garlic from trusted sources:
- Filaree Garlic Farm — Huge variety and organic options
- Southern Exposure Seed Exchange — Perfect for Southern growers
- Seed Savers Exchange — Heirloom treasures
- Territorial Seed Company — Great for both hardneck and softneck
- Botanical Interests — Beginner-friendly packs
Final Tip
Planting garlic is one of those garden tasks that pays you back tenfold. Plant it now, forget about it, and thank yourself in summer when you’re pulling up bulbs that taste richer, sweeter, and more vibrant than anything store-bought.
