The Ultimate Garlic Growing Guide
The Ultimate Garlic Growing Guide
A complete guide to growing, harvesting, curing, and storing garlic like a pro. Learn
how to maximize yields, avoid common mistakes, and produce the most flavorful
garlic possible!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Growing Garlic
2. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
3. Preparing Your Soil
4. Planting Garlic Properly
5. Seasonal Garlic Care Guide
6. Trimming and Removing Scapes
7. Harvesting Garlic at the Right Time
8. Curing Garlic for Long-Term Storage
9. Common Garlic Growing Problems and Fixes
10. Advanced Garlic Growing Tips and Hacks
11. How to Store and Preserve Garlic Properly
12. Growing Garlic from Bulbils for Future Harvests
1. Introduction to Growing Garlic
Garlic is one of the most rewarding and easiest crops to grow. It is a staple in most cuisines, loaded
with health benefits, and incredibly simple to cultivate with the right knowledge. This guide will take
you through every step of the process, ensuring a bountiful harvest and long-lasting storage for
year-round enjoyment.
2. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
- Hardneck Garlic: Best for colder climates (Zones 3-7). Produces a central stalk (scape) and larger
cloves.
- Softneck Garlic: Ideal for warmer climates (Zones 8+). Stores longer, has more cloves, and doesn't
produce scapes.
- Elephant Garlic: Not a true garlic, but grows large and has a mild flavor.
- Best Varieties for Beginners: 'California White' (softneck) and 'German Extra Hardy' (hardneck) for
reliability.
3. Preparing Your SoilGarlic thrives in loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For best results:
- Use well-aged compost or manure before planting.
- Avoid heavy clay soil; if necessary, amend it with sand and organic matter.
- Test the soil! A balanced soil with phosphorus and potassium will promote healthy bulb
development.
4. Planting Garlic Properly
1. Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin on.
2. Plant cloves pointy side up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.
3. Space rows at least 10-12 inches apart.
4. Cover with 2-4 inches of mulch to retain moisture and protect against frost.
5. In warm climates, refrigerate garlic for 2 weeks before planting to simulate winter.
5. Seasonal Garlic Care Guide
- Winter (Dormancy): Keep mulch in place to protect bulbs.
- Spring (Growth): Remove excess mulch as temperatures rise, water weekly, and fertilize with
nitrogen.
- Early Summer (Bulb Formation): Reduce nitrogen feeding, continue watering, and trim scapes.
- Late Summer (Harvest Time): Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest. Monitor for yellowing leaves.
7. Harvesting Garlic at the Right Time
Harvest when the bottom 3-4 leaves turn yellow but the top remains green. Steps:
- Loosen soil around bulbs using a garden fork.
- Pull garlic out gently by the stem, avoiding bruising.
- Do NOT wash garlic after harvest - let it cure first.
8. Curing Garlic for Long-Term Storage
Proper curing extends garlic's shelf life. Steps:
- Hang garlic in bundles or lay in a single layer in a warm, well-ventilated space.
- Keep bulbs out of direct sunlight and allow to cure for 3-4 weeks.
- Once dry, trim roots and stems (softneck garlic can be braided).
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place at around 60°F.
10. Advanced Garlic Growing Tips and Hacks
- Use a foliar spray of seaweed extract in spring for stronger bulbs.
- Rotate garlic crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Grow garlic from bulbils (tiny garlic seeds from scapes) for long-term sustainability.11. How to Store and Preserve Garlic Properly
- Store whole bulbs in a breathable bag or basket at room temperature.
- Avoid plastic bags or refrigeration (causes sprouting).
- Frozen garlic keeps longer - peel, mince, and freeze in oil.
Final Thoughts
By following this guide, you can master growing garlic from start to finish. With the right soil, care,
and harvesting techniques, you'll have homegrown garlic year-round. Happy growing!