How to Grow Garlic in February: Tips, Advice, and the Best Varieties

Garlic is an essential kitchen staple and an incredibly rewarding crop to grow in your garden. Known for its bold flavor and numerous health benefits, garlic is easy to cultivate with minimal maintenance. February is an excellent time to plant garlic, especially if you missed the autumn sowing season. With proper care and techniques, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful, homegrown garlic.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing garlic in February, from choosing the best varieties to planting, caring for, and harvesting.

Introduction: Why Grow Garlic in February?

While garlic is traditionally planted in autumn, February provides a second opportunity to sow garlic successfully. Late planting allows the bulbs to establish roots before the spring growing season, ensuring a healthy crop. Garlic is a versatile plant that thrives in most climates, making it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.

Growing garlic at home not only guarantees fresh, chemical-free bulbs but also gives you access to unique varieties that are often unavailable in stores.

1. Choosing the Best Garlic Varieties

Garlic comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck, each suited for different growing conditions and culinary uses. Here are some top varieties:

1.1 Hardneck Varieties

• ‘Carcassonne Wight’: A French variety with strong flavor and pink-tinged cloves.
• ‘Purple Glazer’: Known for its vibrant purple skin and sweet, mild flavor.
• ‘Chesnok Red’: Excellent for roasting, with a rich, sweet taste.

1.2 Softneck Varieties

• ‘Germidour’: A reliable early-maturing variety with large white bulbs.
• ‘Solent Wight’: A long-storing variety with a robust flavor.
• ‘California Early’: A classic variety with a mild, versatile taste.

2. Planting Garlic in February

2.1 Where to Plant

• Garlic grows best in full sun with well-draining soil.
• Choose a sheltered spot to protect young shoots from harsh weather.

2.2 Preparing the Soil

• Remove weeds and dig over the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
• Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure.
• Test the pH and adjust to a neutral to slightly acidic range (6.0–7.0).

2.3 Planting Process

1. Break Bulbs into Cloves: Separate the cloves from the bulb, keeping the papery skin intact.
2. Plant Cloves Pointy Side Up: Space them 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
3. Cover and Water: Cover the cloves with soil and water gently to settle the soil.

3. Caring for Garlic Plants

3.1 Watering

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Reduce watering as bulbs begin to mature to prevent rot.

3.2 Feeding

• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during early growth to promote leafy growth.
• Once bulbs start forming, switch to a balanced fertilizer to support bulb development.

3.3 Mulching

• Add a layer of mulch around plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

3.4 Weeding

• Keep the garlic bed weed-free to avoid competition for nutrients and sunlight.

4. Common Garlic Problems

4.1 Pests

• Onion Fly: Cover plants with fine mesh netting to prevent egg-laying.
• Thrips: Spray with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators.

4.2 Diseases

• White Rot: Remove and destroy infected plants. Avoid replanting garlic in the same area for 8 years.
• Rust: Prevent by maintaining good airflow and avoiding overhead watering.
• Fusarium Rot: Plant disease-free cloves and ensure proper drainage.

5. Harvesting Garlic

5.1 When to Harvest

• Garlic is typically ready to harvest in early summer, about 4–6 months after planting.
• Look for yellowing leaves and softening stems as signs of maturity.

5.2 How to Harvest

• Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and carefully lift the bulbs without damaging them.
• Brush off excess soil and leave bulbs to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.

5.3 Storing Garlic

• Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
• Softneck varieties can be braided for decorative and functional storage.

6. Benefits of Growing Garlic

• Culinary Uses: Adds bold flavor to a wide range of dishes.
• Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and compounds that boost immunity.
• Pest Repellent: Helps deter pests like aphids and slugs when planted near other crops.
• Easy to Grow: Requires minimal maintenance once established.

Conclusion: Start Growing Garlic for a Flavorful Harvest

Growing garlic in February is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful bulbs straight from your garden. By choosing the right varieties and following these tips, you’ll set your crop up for success. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or trying garlic for the first time, the effort will be well worth it when you enjoy the rich taste of homegrown garlic in your cooking.

Happy gardening! 🌱

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Garlic

1. Can I plant garlic in containers?
   Yes, garlic grows well in deep containers with good drainage.
2. How long does garlic take to grow?
   Garlic takes 4–6 months from planting to harvest, depending on the variety and conditions.
3. Can I plant store-bought garlic?
   It’s best to use seed garlic, as store-bought garlic may be treated to prevent sprouting.
4. How often should I water garlic?
   Water consistently during growth but reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot.
5. How do I prevent white rot?
   Use disease-free cloves, rotate crops, and avoid replanting garlic in the same area for several years.
6. Can I grow garlic year-round?
   Yes, with proper timing and techniques, garlic can be planted in autumn or late winter.
7. Why are my garlic bulbs small?
   Small bulbs can result from poor soil, insufficient spacing, or lack of nutrients.
8. What’s the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
   Hardneck garlic produces a flowering stem (scape) and has a shorter storage life, while softneck garlic stores longer and doesn’t produce scapes.
9. Can I eat garlic leaves?
   Yes, garlic leaves and scapes are edible and have a mild, garlicky flavor.
10. How do I store harvested garlic?
    Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Softneck varieties can be braided for storage.