Growing Garlic in the UK: A Complete Guide for Gardeners

Introduction

Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in the UK. With its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits, garlic is a staple in kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing garlic in the UK can be a simple and fulfilling process.

This guide covers everything you need to know about growing garlic, from planting and care tips to harvesting and storage, ensuring a bountiful yield of fresh, flavorful bulbs.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

Why Grow Garlic in the UK?

1. Versatility

Garlic is a versatile crop that thrives in the UK’s temperate climate, making it ideal for home gardens and allotments.

2. Easy to Grow

Garlic requires minimal care, making it perfect for beginners and busy gardeners.

3. Cost-Effective

Growing your own garlic saves money and provides a fresh, chemical-free alternative to store-bought bulbs.

4. Long Shelf Life

Properly cured garlic can be stored for months, providing a year-round supply.

Best Garlic Varieties for the UK

1. Softneck Garlic

Features: Mild flavor, long shelf life.
Examples: Solent Wight, Early Purple Wight.
Best for: Warmer regions of the UK.

2. Hardneck Garlic

Features: Stronger flavor, produces garlic scapes.
Examples: Chesnok Red, Carcassonne Wight.
Best for: Cooler regions and those seeking unique varieties.

3. Elephant Garlic

Features: Milder, larger cloves.
Best for: Roasting and milder garlic flavors.

When to Plant Garlic in the UK

1. Autumn Planting

Timing: October to November.
Best For: Most regions; allows garlic to establish roots before winter.

2. Spring Planting

Timing: February to March.
Best For: Areas with heavy winter frost or delayed planting.

How to Plant Garlic

1. Choosing the Right Location

Light: Full sun is ideal for healthy growth.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH.

2. Preparing the Soil

Remove weeds and loosen the soil to improve drainage.
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

3. Planting Cloves

Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep, pointed end up, and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.

4. Watering

Water thoroughly after planting to help cloves establish roots.

Caring for Garlic Plants

1. Watering

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.

2. Feeding

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage and smaller bulbs.

3. Mulching

Add a layer of mulch to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and protect young shoots from frost.

4. Weeding

Keep the area around garlic plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.

Pests and Diseases

1. Pests

Onion Fly: Protect plants with netting or insect barriers.
Slugs and Snails: Use organic slug pellets or traps to deter them.

2. Diseases

White Rot: Avoid planting garlic in infected soil for at least 8 years.
Rust: Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation.

Harvesting Garlic

1. When to Harvest

Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and dry.
Autumn-Planted Garlic: Harvest in June or July.
Spring-Planted Garlic: Harvest in late summer.

2. How to Harvest

Use a garden fork to gently lift bulbs out of the soil.
Avoid pulling directly, as this can damage the bulbs.

3. Curing Garlic

Lay garlic bulbs in a single layer in a dry, airy location for 2-3 weeks.
Once cured, trim the roots and stalks and store in a cool, dark place.

Storing Garlic

1. Ideal Conditions

Store garlic in a well-ventilated, dry, and cool area (10-15°C).
Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as this can cause sprouting.

2. Storage Tips

Softneck garlic stores longer than hardneck varieties.
Use damaged or small bulbs first, as they won’t store as well.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Garlic

1. Superior Flavor

Homegrown garlic offers a fresher, stronger flavor compared to store-bought alternatives.

2. Chemical-Free

Growing your own garlic ensures it’s free from harmful pesticides or chemicals.

3. Sustainable Gardening

Reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing reliance on imported produce.

4. Versatile Use

Garlic can be used fresh, roasted, or stored for use in cooking, pickling, or medicinal remedies.

Common Questions About Growing Garlic in the UK

1. Can garlic grow in cold weather?
Yes, garlic is frost-hardy and thrives when planted in autumn for overwintering.

2. How long does garlic take to grow?
Garlic takes about 6-8 months from planting to harvest.

3. Can I plant supermarket garlic?
It’s better to use certified seed garlic to avoid diseases and ensure optimal growth.

4. Does garlic need a lot of water?
Garlic requires moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but reduce watering as the bulbs mature.

5. How do I prevent garlic from bolting?
Hardneck varieties may produce scapes; remove them early to focus energy on bulb growth.

6. Can garlic grow in pots?
Yes, garlic can be grown in containers with well-draining soil and adequate space for root development.

7. What is the best fertilizer for garlic?
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during early growth and a balanced fertilizer as bulbs form.

8. How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and dry, but the top leaves remain green.

9. How do I store harvested garlic?
Cure the bulbs for 2-3 weeks, then store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.

10. Can garlic be planted alongside other crops?
Yes, garlic is a great companion plant for carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce, helping to deter pests.

Conclusion

Growing garlic in the UK is a simple and rewarding experience, providing fresh, flavorful bulbs that enhance any dish. With minimal care and the right conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of garlic that lasts for months. Whether you’re planting in your garden or in pots, this versatile crop is a must-have for any gardener.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧