Growing Garlic in the UK: A Complete Guide for Success

Garlic is a popular and versatile vegetable that is used in a wide range of dishes for its strong flavor and numerous health benefits. Growing garlic in the UK is not only easy but also rewarding, as it can be cultivated in most gardens or allotments. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing garlic in the UK, including when to plant, how to care for it, and how to harvest it for the best results.

What Is Garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous plant that belongs to the onion family. It is well known for its pungent aroma and strong flavor, which are released when the cloves are crushed or chopped. Garlic has been used for centuries, not only as a culinary ingredient but also for its medicinal properties. Growing garlic in the UK is relatively straightforward, and it’s a hardy vegetable that thrives in cooler climates, making it ideal for UK gardeners.

Garlic grows as individual cloves that form bulbs, and it is typically planted in the autumn or early spring for a late summer or early autumn harvest.

Benefits of Growing Garlic

Growing garlic in the UK offers several benefits beyond its use in the kitchen. Here are a few of the top reasons to grow your own garlic:

1. Flavorful Homegrown Garlic

Garlic that you grow yourself is far more flavorful than store-bought garlic. The freshness and potency of homegrown garlic can elevate your dishes to a whole new level.

2. Health Benefits

Garlic is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium. It also has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, and it is believed to help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.

3. Low Maintenance

Garlic is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care. Once planted, it does not demand much attention, making it ideal for gardeners who want a low-maintenance crop.

4. Self-Sufficiency

Growing your own garlic can save you money, as you won’t have to purchase it from the store. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to harvest your own garlic after months of care.

When to Plant Garlic in the UK

Garlic is typically planted in the autumn or early spring in the UK, depending on the variety and the climate of your region. Here’s a breakdown of when to plant garlic:

1. Autumn Planting

• Best Time: October to November
• Planting garlic in the autumn allows the cloves to establish roots before the cold winter weather sets in. This is the preferred time for hardneck garlic varieties, which are better suited for colder climates and have a stronger flavor.

2. Spring Planting

• Best Time: February to March
• If you miss the autumn planting window, you can plant garlic in the spring. Softneck garlic varieties are typically better suited for spring planting as they are more tolerant of warmer weather. Spring-planted garlic will usually produce a smaller harvest compared to autumn-planted garlic, but it still grows well in the UK.

How to Grow Garlic in the UK

Growing garlic in the UK is relatively straightforward, and with the right preparation, you can grow a bountiful harvest. Follow these steps for success:

1. Choose the Right Garlic Varieties

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

• Hardneck Garlic: Known for its strong flavor and stiff neck, hardneck garlic is better suited for cooler climates. It produces scapes (flower stalks) that can be used in cooking, and it tends to store well.
• Softneck Garlic: This variety has a milder flavor and produces more cloves per bulb. It’s more tolerant of warmer temperatures and is ideal for UK gardeners planting in the spring.

Choose a variety that suits your climate and planting schedule.

2. Prepare the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by:

• Improving Drainage: If your soil is heavy clay, consider adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
• pH Level: Garlic prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7). You can test your soil’s pH using a soil testing kit and amend it accordingly with lime if needed.

3. Planting Garlic

• Separate the Cloves: Gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Do not peel them; just separate them carefully.
• Planting Depth: Plant the cloves with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down. Plant each clove about 2-3 cm deep, with 15-20 cm of space between each clove to allow the bulbs to grow properly.
• Spacing: Leave about 30 cm between rows to give the garlic enough space to grow. Garlic prefers full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

4. Mulching

After planting, cover the garlic bed with a 5-10 cm layer of mulch to protect the soil and keep the moisture consistent. Mulch also helps suppress weeds and maintains a stable soil temperature.

5. Watering and Care

Garlic needs consistent watering, especially during the growing season. However, it does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so ensure the soil drains well. During the growing period, garlic should be watered regularly, but reduce watering as the harvest time approaches to prevent the bulbs from becoming too soft.

• Fertilizing: You can feed garlic with a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring to encourage strong growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to poor bulb development.
• Weeding: Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds, so keep the area around your garlic free of weeds by hand weeding or mulching.

6. Removing Garlic Scapes

If you’re growing hardneck garlic, you’ll notice scapes (flower stalks) beginning to form in late spring or early summer. These should be cut off to allow the plant to focus its energy on bulb development. Scapes can be used in cooking, adding a mild garlic flavor to dishes.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid to late summer, around June to August, depending on the planting time. Here’s how to know when your garlic is ready:

1. Signs of Ripeness

• Yellowing Leaves: When the lower leaves start to yellow and die off, it’s a sign that your garlic is almost ready to harvest. However, leave the upper leaves green as long as possible for maximum bulb size.
• Flowering: If the garlic has flowered (for hardneck varieties), the flowers will have started to wither and die.

2. How to Harvest

• Gently dig up the garlic bulbs using a fork or spade, being careful not to damage them. Avoid pulling them out by the stems, as this can break the garlic bulbs.

3. Curing Garlic

After harvesting, garlic should be cured to ensure proper storage. Hang the garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks. Once fully cured, trim the stems and roots, and store the garlic in a cool, dry place. Well-cured garlic can last for several months.

How to Store Garlic

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality of your garlic for months to come.

• Braiding: Softneck garlic can be braided together for easy storage, while hardneck garlic is usually stored in mesh bags or boxes.
• Temperature: Store garlic in a cool, dark, and dry place (about 10-15°C). Avoid storing garlic in the fridge, as this can cause it to sprout.
• Shelf Life: When stored properly, garlic can last for up to 6 months.

Top 10 Questions About Growing Garlic in the UK

1. When is the best time to plant garlic in the UK?
   Garlic can be planted in the UK from October to November for an autumn planting, or from February to March for a spring planting.
2. What type of garlic should I grow in the UK?
   Both hardneck and softneck garlic can be grown in the UK. Hardneck garlic is better for colder climates and autumn planting, while softneck garlic is more suitable for spring planting.
3. Can I grow garlic in containers?
   Yes, garlic can be successfully grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and allows for proper drainage.
4. How much space does garlic need to grow?
   Garlic should be spaced about 15-20 cm apart within rows, with 30 cm between rows to allow enough room for the bulbs to develop properly.
5. How long does garlic take to grow in the UK?
   Garlic typically takes 8-9 months to grow in the UK, with the harvest ready in late summer or early autumn.
6. Can garlic be grown from supermarket bulbs?
   It is not recommended to plant garlic from the supermarket as it may not be suited to your local climate or conditions. It’s best to buy seed garlic from a reputable supplier.
7. How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?
   Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves start to yellow, and the flower stalks begin to die off (for hardneck varieties). The bulbs should be firm and well-developed.
8. **How do I store garlic after harvesting?**
   Garlic should be cured by hanging it in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks, then stored in a cool, dry place. Softneck garlic can be braided, while hardneck garlic is usually stored in mesh bags.
9. Can I grow garlic indoors?
   Garlic can be grown indoors in containers, but it may not develop large bulbs without sufficient sunlight. Ensure the container has good drainage, and provide plenty of light.
10. What should I do if my garlic bulbs are small?
    If your garlic bulbs are small, this could be due to planting too early or too late, insufficient water, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure you plant at the right time and provide enough care and nutrients.