Growing Garlic From Cloves - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Growing Garlic from Cloves: A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Your Own Garlic

Growing garlic from cloves is a simple, rewarding process that allows you to harvest fresh, flavorful garlic from your garden or allotment. Garlic is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory stews to roasted vegetables. By growing garlic from individual cloves, you can ensure that you have a constant supply of homegrown garlic, and it’s a great option for gardeners of all experience levels. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to grow garlic from cloves, when to plant, how to care for it, and how to harvest and store your garlic.

What Is Garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous plant from the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, and shallots. Garlic is widely known for its strong flavor and aroma, and it’s used in countless cuisines worldwide. When growing garlic from cloves, each individual clove will sprout into a new garlic bulb, making it a relatively easy and cost-effective way to produce your own garlic.

Garlic is typically planted in the autumn or early spring, depending on the variety and climate. The plant develops a bulb with multiple cloves that are harvested for use in cooking or stored for later.

Benefits of Growing Garlic from Cloves

There are several reasons why growing garlic from cloves is an excellent option for gardeners:

1. Easy to Grow

Garlic is one of the easiest vegetables to grow from cloves. It requires minimal care, making it ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

2. Fresh, Homegrown Garlic

When you grow garlic from cloves, you get fresh garlic that is more flavorful and aromatic than store-bought options. Homegrown garlic also has more potent health benefits.

3. Low Maintenance

Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop. Once planted, it doesn’t need much attention, making it perfect for gardeners looking for a hassle-free vegetable to grow.

4. Health Benefits

Garlic is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium. It is also known for its natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

5. Saves Money

By growing your own garlic, you can save money on store-bought garlic bulbs. Plus, garlic is easy to store and can last for months, ensuring you always have a supply on hand.

When to Plant Garlic From Cloves

The timing of garlic planting is crucial for a successful harvest. In the UK, garlic is typically planted either in the autumn or early spring, depending on the variety and the local climate.

1. Autumn Planting

Best Time: October to November
Planting garlic in the autumn allows the cloves to develop roots before the winter frost. This is the most common planting method in the UK, and it works best for hardneck garlic varieties. Garlic planted in autumn will start growing in early spring and is typically harvested in mid-summer.

2. Spring Planting

Best Time: February to March
If you miss the autumn planting window, garlic can also be planted in early spring. Softneck garlic varieties are typically more suited for spring planting, as they are more tolerant of warmer temperatures. Garlic planted in spring will grow throughout the spring and summer, with harvest time usually around late summer.

How to Grow Garlic from Cloves

Growing garlic from cloves is simple and doesn’t require specialized equipment. Follow these steps to ensure a successful garlic harvest:

1. Choose the Right Garlic Variety

There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.

Hardneck Garlic: This variety is best suited for colder climates and is typically planted in autumn. Hardneck garlic produces fewer but larger cloves and has a stronger flavor.
Softneck Garlic: This variety is better for milder climates and is often planted in spring. Softneck garlic produces more cloves per bulb and is milder in flavor. It also has a longer shelf life and is typically used for braiding.

Choose the variety that best suits your local climate and growing conditions.

2. Prepare the Soil

Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Soil Type: Garlic grows best in loose, loamy soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, improve it by adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
pH Level: Garlic prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Test the soil’s pH and amend it with lime if needed.

3. Plant the Cloves

Separate the Cloves: Gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Be sure not to peel them; just separate the cloves carefully.
Planting Depth: Plant each clove with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down. Plant the cloves about 5 cm (2 inches) deep into the soil, ensuring they are spaced about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart.
Spacing: Leave about 30 cm (12 inches) between rows to allow enough room for the garlic to grow. Garlic needs plenty of sunlight, so choose a sunny spot in your garden.

4. Watering and Mulching

Watering: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially in the early stages of growth. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as garlic does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or compost, after planting. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This is especially important in colder climates where frost may be a concern.

5. Caring for Garlic

Garlic is a low-maintenance crop but still requires some care to ensure a healthy harvest.

Weeding: Garlic doesn’t do well with weeds, so it’s essential to keep the area around your garlic free of weeds. Hand weed carefully around the garlic to avoid damaging the plants.
Fertilizing: Garlic is not a heavy feeder, but you can fertilize it in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can result in more leaves than bulbs.

6. Remove Garlic Scapes (For Hardneck Garlic)

If you’re growing hardneck garlic, you will notice flower stalks, known as garlic scapes, developing in late spring or early summer. These should be removed to redirect the plant’s energy toward bulb production. Garlic scapes are edible and can be used in cooking for a mild garlic flavor.

Harvesting Garlic from Cloves

Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer, around June to August, depending on when you plant it. Here’s how to determine when your garlic is ready:

1. Signs of Ripeness

When the lower leaves of the garlic plant start to yellow and die back, it’s a sign that the garlic is nearly ready to harvest. However, leave the upper leaves green to allow the bulbs to mature fully.
Garlic should not be left in the ground too long once it’s ready to harvest, as this can cause the bulbs to split.

2. How to Harvest

Gently lift the garlic bulbs from the soil using a spade or fork, being careful not to damage the bulbs. Avoid pulling them by the leaves, as this can break the plant.
After harvesting, shake off the soil gently and set the bulbs aside to dry.

3. Curing Garlic

Garlic needs to be cured after harvesting to ensure it stores well. To cure garlic:

Hang the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, you can place them in a mesh bag or a box.
Once cured, trim the roots and stems, and store the garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place. Garlic can be stored for several months under the right conditions.

How to Store Garlic

Proper storage is key to keeping your garlic fresh and usable for months. Here are some tips for storing garlic:

Braiding: Softneck garlic can be braided together for storage, which is a great option for keeping it organized and easily accessible.
Mesh Bags: Both hardneck and softneck garlic can be stored in mesh bags, allowing air to circulate around the bulbs.
Storage Conditions: Store garlic in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 10-15°C (50-59°F). Avoid storing garlic in the fridge, as it can cause it to sprout.