Growing Garlic in Autumn: Your Essential Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Garlic is one of the simplest crops to grow, and autumn is the ideal season for planting it. The cooler months allow garlic to establish roots before winter, setting the stage for a robust harvest the following summer. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or have years of experience, this guide provides you with everything you need to successfully grow garlic in autumn, from selecting the best varieties to planting, caring, and harvesting.

Why Plant Garlic in Autumn?

Planting garlic in autumn gives it a head start, enabling it to develop strong roots through the winter. The period of cold temperatures (vernalization) during winter is essential for bulb development, ensuring you get larger, healthier garlic bulbs come harvest time.

Types of Garlic to Grow

Garlic comes in two main varieties:

1. Hardneck Garlic: Known for its richer flavor and hard flower stalk (scape), hardneck garlic is well-suited to colder climates and produces fewer but larger cloves. Examples include Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe.
2. Softneck Garlic: This variety is more suitable for milder climates and has a longer shelf life. Softneck garlic usually has more cloves per bulb, making it ideal for braiding. Popular types are Silverskin and Artichoke.

Steps for Planting Garlic in Autumn

1. Choose the Right Location
   Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). Select a sunny spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid planting garlic in areas where onions or other alliums were grown recently, as this can lead to soilborne diseases.
2. Prepare the Soil
   Work the soil deeply and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure. Garlic needs nutrient-rich soil to develop large bulbs. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and remove any weeds or debris.
3. Break Apart Bulbs
   Separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. Only plant the largest, healthiest cloves for the best yield. Avoid planting small or damaged cloves, as they may not develop properly.
4. Plant the Cloves
   Plant each clove with the pointed end facing up and the flat, root side down, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 8–12 inches apart. Mulching with straw or leaves can help retain moisture and protect the cloves through winter.
5. Watering
   After planting, water the garlic to settle the soil around the cloves. Autumn usually brings sufficient rain, but if dry spells occur, ensure the soil stays consistently moist (not soggy) to promote root growth.

Garlic Care Tips Through Winter and Spring

• Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch to help insulate the soil and retain moisture. Mulch also suppresses weeds that can compete for nutrients.
• Fertilize in Spring: Once growth resumes in spring, fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support vigorous growth.
• Remove Scapes (for Hardneck Varieties): As hardneck garlic grows, it produces a central flower stalk known as a scape. Cutting off the scape as it curls helps direct energy toward bulb growth.

Harvesting and Curing Garlic

Garlic is typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer when the leaves start to yellow and dry out. Gently dig up the bulbs rather than pulling them to avoid damaging the cloves.

1. Curing
   After harvesting, cure garlic by hanging it in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for two to three weeks. This process helps extend garlic’s shelf life.
2. Storing
   Once cured, trim the roots and stalks, and store garlic in a cool, dark place. Softneck varieties last up to nine months, while hardneck varieties last four to six months.

Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Garlic in Autumn

1. When is the best time to plant garlic in autumn?
Plant garlic in late September to November, about 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes.

2. Should I soak garlic cloves before planting?
Soaking cloves in a solution of water and baking soda can reduce fungal infections, though it’s optional.

3. How deep should garlic be planted?
Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep to protect them through winter.

4. Can garlic be grown in containers?
Yes, garlic can be grown in containers, but ensure they are deep enough (at least 10 inches) and have good drainage.

5. What type of mulch is best for garlic?
Straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips are ideal for mulching garlic.

6. Do I need to fertilize garlic?
Yes, applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring supports healthy growth.

7. How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Garlic is ready when the bottom leaves turn yellow or brown and the top leaves remain green.

8. Can I use grocery store garlic for planting?
It’s best to use certified seed garlic, as grocery store garlic may be treated with growth inhibitors.

9. Why are my garlic bulbs small?
Small bulbs can result from poor soil, insufficient sunlight, or planting cloves that are too small.

10. How should I store harvested garlic?
Store garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly cured garlic can last several months.

This guide will set you up for garlic-growing success, bringing flavorful, homegrown bulbs to your kitchen year after year.