Garlic Growing Calendar UK: Seasonal Planting & Care

Introduction

Garlic is one of the most reliable and rewarding crops to grow in the UK. It doesn’t take up much space, thrives in a range of conditions, and provides delicious bulbs that can last for months once harvested. But to get the very best results, timing is everything.

Knowing when to plant, water, feed, and harvest garlic can make the difference between small, disappointing bulbs and a bumper crop. That’s where a garlic growing calendar comes in handy. This guide breaks down garlic care month by month, tailored for UK conditions, so you’ll know exactly what to do and when.

Garlic Growing Timeline at a Glance

• Planting: September–November (best) or February–March (alternative).
• Growing Season: 7–9 months.
• Harvest: June–August, depending on planting time.
• Curing & Storage: 2–3 weeks after harvest for long-lasting bulbs.

Garlic Growing Calendar UK: Month-by-Month

September–November: Planting Garlic

• Best time to plant autumn garlic.
• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot.
• Break bulbs into individual cloves and plant pointy end up.
• Depth: 2–3cm for autumn planting.
• Spacing: 10–15cm apart, rows 25–30cm apart.
• Mulch with compost, straw, or leaves to protect from frost and suppress weeds.

December–February: Overwintering

• Growth slows as garlic goes dormant in cold weather.
• Roots continue developing underground.
• Little to no watering is needed in winter.
• Check for frost heave (cloves being lifted out of soil) — re-firm if necessary.
• Cover with fleece in very harsh conditions.

February–March: Spring Planting Option

• If you missed autumn planting, you can still plant spring garlic now.
• Plant cloves slightly deeper (5–6cm).
• Spring garlic matures later and may produce slightly smaller bulbs.
• Start feeding overwintered garlic with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser (e.g., blood meal or chicken manure pellets).

March–April: Spring Growth

• Garlic shoots begin growing quickly as days lengthen.
• Weed regularly — garlic doesn’t compete well.
• Feed every 3–4 weeks with nitrogen fertiliser for strong leaf growth.
• Water lightly during dry spells.

May–June: Bulb Formation

• Garlic bulbs begin to swell underground.
• Water regularly, especially in dry weather, keeping soil evenly moist.
• Switch to a potassium-rich feed (e.g., tomato fertiliser) to encourage bulb growth.
• Remove flower stalks (scapes) on hardneck garlic to boost bulb size.
• Keep beds weed-free.

June–July: Harvest Autumn Garlic

• Autumn-planted garlic is ready when the bottom leaves turn yellow but top leaves are still green.
• Stop watering 2 weeks before harvesting.
• Lift bulbs carefully with a fork — don’t pull by hand.
• Handle gently to avoid bruising.

July–August: Harvest Spring Garlic

• Spring-planted garlic is ready slightly later.
• Same harvesting method applies.
• Begin curing immediately after lifting.

July–September: Curing Garlic

• Brush off excess soil (don’t wash).
• Hang bulbs in bunches or lay on racks in a dry, airy space.
• Cure for 2–3 weeks until skins are papery.
• Trim roots and stems (or braid softneck garlic).

September–October: Storing Garlic

• Store bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
• Softneck garlic stores for 6–9 months.
• Hardneck garlic stores for 3–5 months.
• Save the biggest, healthiest bulbs for replanting.

Seasonal Garlic Care Summary

• Autumn: Plant cloves, mulch for protection.
• Winter: Minimal care, check for frost heave.
• Spring: Weed, water, and feed regularly.
• Early Summer: Water consistently, remove scapes, harvest autumn garlic.
• Late Summer: Harvest spring garlic, cure, and store bulbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Garlic Calendar

• Planting too late → small bulbs.
• Overwatering in winter → rot.
• Forgetting to feed in spring → weak growth.
• Harvesting too early → underdeveloped bulbs.
• Harvesting too late → bulbs split and don’t store well.

Conclusion

Garlic takes time, but it rewards patience. By following this UK garlic growing calendar, you’ll know exactly when to plant, feed, water, harvest, and store your crop. Whether you plant in autumn or spring, garlic will become one of the most reliable and satisfying crops in your garden.

With a little planning, you can grow enough garlic to last you through the year — and even save bulbs for replanting the next season.

Top 10 Questions About the Garlic Growing Calendar

1. When is the best time to plant garlic in the UK?
September–November is best, but February–March is also possible.

2. How long does garlic take to grow?
7–9 months, depending on planting season.

3. Can garlic survive winter in the UK?
Yes, garlic is hardy and benefits from cold weather.

4. Do I water garlic in winter?
No, rainfall is usually enough. Only water in dry spells in spring/summer.

5. When should I feed garlic?
Nitrogen in spring, potassium in early summer.

6. When do I harvest garlic?
Autumn-planted garlic in June–July; spring garlic in July–August.

7. How do I know garlic is ready to harvest?
When lower leaves are yellow but upper leaves remain green.

8. Do I need to cure garlic before storing?
Yes, cure for 2–3 weeks in a dry, airy place.

9. How long does garlic store for?
Softneck: 6–9 months. Hardneck: 3–5 months.

10. Can I save garlic bulbs for replanting next year?
Yes, choose the biggest, healthiest bulbs from your harvest.