How to Grow Garlic in the UK: Complete Planting and Harvesting Guide

Growing garlic is one of the most rewarding things you can do in a vegetable garden or allotment. It’s relatively straightforward, doesn’t require a huge amount of space and produces a crop that can be stored and used in the kitchen for months.

One of the best things about garlic is that you can plant it during autumn, leave it growing through winter and look forward to harvesting beautiful bulbs the following summer.

For UK gardeners, garlic is an excellent crop because many varieties actually benefit from a period of cold weather.

Whether you’re planting garlic for the first time or looking to improve your harvests, understanding the right planting times, soil conditions, feeding requirements and harvesting methods can make a considerable difference.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I’ve always enjoyed growing crops that can be planted during autumn. While much of the allotment begins slowing down for winter, garlic gives you something productive to look forward to.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to grow garlic in the UK, including the differences between hardneck and softneck varieties, autumn and spring planting, soil preparation, watering, fertilising, common problems and the best way to harvest and store your homegrown garlic.

Can You Grow Garlic Successfully in the UK?

Yes. Garlic grows very well in the UK when suitable varieties are planted at the correct time.

Garlic belongs to the Allium family, alongside onions, leeks and shallots.

Unlike many summer vegetables, garlic is usually planted during the cooler months.

The cloves develop roots during autumn and winter, before producing stronger leafy growth as temperatures rise during spring.

The bulbs then develop and mature as the days become longer.

Most garlic varieties are ready to harvest during early to midsummer, although timing depends on the variety, planting date and weather conditions.

Garlic Growing Facts

Feature	Details
Botanical name	Allium sativum
Crop type	Bulb vegetable
Main planting season	Autumn
Alternative planting	Late winter or early spring
Preferred position	Full sun
Soil	Fertile, well-drained soil
Planting depth	Approximately 2–5cm of soil above the clove
Plant spacing	Approximately 10–15cm
Row spacing	Approximately 25–30cm
Harvesting	Usually June–August
Storage	Cool, dry, well-ventilated conditions

When Is the Best Time to Plant Garlic in the UK?

Garlic can be planted during autumn or early spring, depending on the variety.

However, autumn planting is generally preferred for many UK garlic varieties.

Planting Garlic in October

October is an excellent month to plant suitable autumn garlic.

The soil often retains some warmth from summer, allowing cloves to establish roots before winter.

Autumn planting also gives garlic a longer growing season.

Planting Garlic in November

November is another popular planting month.

Garlic planted during November can establish roots through winter, provided the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Planting Garlic in December

Many garlic varieties can still be planted during December when conditions allow.

Avoid planting into frozen or saturated soil.

Planting Garlic in January or February

Some varieties can be planted during late winter.

However, garlic planted later may have less time to develop large bulbs.

Choose varieties recommended for spring planting.

Planting Garlic in March

Early March planting is possible for suitable spring varieties.

However, late planting may produce smaller bulbs or reduce the likelihood of good clove formation.

Always follow the supplier’s recommendations for your chosen variety.

Why Does Garlic Need Cold Weather?

Many garlic varieties require a period of exposure to cool temperatures to encourage the formation of separate cloves within the bulb.

This process is known as vernalisation.

Without sufficient cold exposure, some garlic plants may produce poorly divided bulbs or single rounded bulbs rather than a typical head containing multiple cloves.

The amount of cold required varies between varieties.

This is one reason autumn planting is particularly successful in the UK.

However, garlic doesn’t need to be exposed to extreme frost.

The important factor is receiving an appropriate period of cool growing conditions.

Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: What’s the Difference?

Garlic is commonly divided into two main groups: hardneck and softneck.

Understanding the difference can help you choose the best variety for your garden.

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic produces a firm central flower stalk known as a scape.

The bulbs often contain relatively large cloves arranged around the central stalk.

Hardneck varieties generally tolerate cold winters well.

They may produce particularly good results in cooler UK growing conditions.

However, they usually store for a shorter period than many softneck varieties.

Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic doesn’t normally produce the same firm central flowering stalk under typical growing conditions.

It often produces more cloves per bulb, including smaller inner cloves.

Many softneck varieties store particularly well when properly cured.

Softneck garlic is commonly used for garlic plaits.

Hardneck vs Softneck Comparison

Feature	Hardneck	Softneck
Central scape	Usually produces one	Usually absent
Clove arrangement	Often fewer, larger cloves	Often more cloves
Cold tolerance	Generally good	Varies by variety
Storage life	Often shorter	Often longer
Garlic plaits	Less suitable	Usually suitable
Scape harvesting	Yes	Usually not

Neither type is automatically better.

Choose according to your climate, flavour preferences and storage requirements.

Best Garlic Varieties to Grow in the UK

There are many excellent garlic varieties available to British gardeners.

Solent Wight

Solent Wight is a popular softneck garlic variety.

It is known for producing good-quality bulbs and is valued for storage.

It is commonly recommended for autumn planting, although follow the supplier’s instructions.

Early Purple Wight

Early Purple Wight is an early-maturing garlic variety.

It can produce attractive bulbs and is popular with UK growers.

Germidour

Germidour is a softneck garlic variety with purple-tinged bulbs.

It is widely grown in British gardens.

Lautrec Wight

Lautrec Wight is a hardneck garlic type valued for its flavour.

It benefits from suitable cool-season growing conditions.

Elephant Garlic

Elephant garlic produces very large bulbs with a relatively mild flavour.

However, it is not true garlic.

It is more closely related to leeks and belongs to a different species, Allium ampeloprasum.

Its growing requirements share some similarities with garlic, but it should not be confused with ordinary garlic varieties.

Can You Plant Supermarket Garlic?

It’s possible for supermarket garlic cloves to grow.

However, planting supermarket garlic isn’t usually the best option.

Some bulbs may have been treated to discourage sprouting.

Others may have been grown in conditions very different from those found in the UK.

There is also a risk of introducing diseases into your soil.

For reliable results, purchase certified or reputable disease-checked planting garlic from a specialist supplier.

This gives you a better chance of choosing a variety suited to British growing conditions.

Best Soil for Growing Garlic

Garlic grows best in fertile, well-drained soil.

It dislikes prolonged waterlogging, particularly during winter.

Improving Heavy Clay Soil

If your garden has heavy clay soil, add suitable well-rotted organic matter to improve soil structure over time.

Avoid working clay soil when it’s extremely wet.

Where drainage remains poor, raised beds may provide more suitable growing conditions.

Growing Garlic in Sandy Soil

Sandy soil generally drains freely but can dry out quickly.

Adding compost can help improve moisture retention.

Soil pH

Garlic generally performs well in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of approximately 6.0–7.0 being a useful guide.

A soil test can help identify whether adjustment is necessary.

Avoid applying lime without knowing your soil’s existing pH.

How to Prepare a Bed for Planting Garlic

Preparing the soil before planting can make a significant difference to the crop.

Step 1: Remove Weeds

Clear annual weeds and remove persistent perennial weeds where possible.

Garlic doesn’t compete particularly well with heavy weed growth.

Step 2: Check Drainage

Avoid planting in areas that remain waterlogged during winter.

Step 3: Add Organic Matter

Incorporate suitable well-rotted compost if the soil needs improvement.

Avoid using large amounts of fresh manure immediately before planting.

Step 4: Level the Soil

Prepare a reasonably even surface.

Break up large clods where conditions allow.

Step 5: Mark Planting Rows

Allow enough room for the garlic plants to develop and for weeding between rows.

How to Plant Garlic Cloves Step by Step

Garlic is grown from individual cloves rather than ordinary seeds in most home gardens.

Each planted clove can develop into a new garlic bulb.

Step 1: Separate the Bulb

Gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves.

Try not to damage the protective skins.

Step 2: Select Healthy Cloves

Choose firm, healthy cloves.

Avoid cloves showing signs of mould, softness or disease.

Larger cloves often produce stronger plants, although variety and growing conditions also matter.

Step 3: Position the Clove Correctly

Plant each clove with the pointed end facing upwards.

The flatter basal plate, where roots emerge, should face downwards.

Step 4: Plant at the Correct Depth

Aim for approximately 2–5cm of soil covering the top of the clove.

In colder or lighter soils, slightly deeper planting may be appropriate.

Step 5: Space the Cloves

Space cloves approximately 10–15cm apart.

Step 6: Leave Room Between Rows

Allow approximately 25–30cm between rows.

Step 7: Firm the Soil

Gently firm the soil around the planted cloves.

Step 8: Water if Necessary

If the soil is already moist, additional watering may not be needed.

Avoid saturating the bed.

How Deep Should Garlic Be Planted in the UK?

Planting depth is important.

If cloves are planted too shallowly, they may become exposed or disturbed.

If planted excessively deeply, emergence may be delayed.

For most ordinary garlic cloves, covering the top with approximately 2–5cm of soil is a useful guideline.

Adjust slightly according to soil type and local conditions.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Garlic?

Garlic needs enough space for the bulbs to develop.

A spacing of approximately 10–15cm between cloves is suitable for many varieties.

Larger garlic varieties may benefit from additional room.

Rows approximately 25–30cm apart make weeding and maintenance easier.

Overcrowding can reduce airflow and increase competition for nutrients, water and sunlight.

Can You Grow Garlic in Raised Beds?

Yes.

Raised beds are excellent for growing garlic, particularly where the existing soil has drainage problems.

Advantages of Raised Beds

• Improved drainage where constructed appropriately
• Easier access for weeding
• Clearly defined planting areas
• Opportunity to improve growing soil
• Convenient harvesting

Ensure the raised bed contains suitable soil rather than relying entirely on a lightweight potting mix.

Can You Grow Garlic in Pots?

Garlic can also be grown successfully in containers.

This is useful for gardeners with patios, balconies or limited space.

Choosing a Container

Use a pot at least approximately 20–25cm deep, with sufficient width for the number of cloves.

Ensure there are drainage holes.

Choosing Compost

Use a suitable peat-free compost, ideally with enough structure and nutrients to support the crop over several months.

Planting

Plant cloves at the recommended depth and spacing.

Avoid overcrowding.

Watering

Containers can dry out more quickly than garden soil.

Check moisture regularly, particularly during spring.

Feeding

Container-grown garlic may benefit from suitable feeding as nutrients become depleted.

How to Look After Garlic During Winter

One of the advantages of autumn-planted garlic is that it generally requires relatively little attention during winter.

However, there are a few important things to watch.

Waterlogging

Prolonged saturated conditions can encourage rotting.

Ensure the growing area drains adequately.

Weeds

Remove weeds when conditions allow.

Avoid disturbing developing garlic roots.

Frost

Most suitable autumn-planted garlic varieties tolerate ordinary British winter cold.

Protective Covering

In exposed locations, a suitable mulch may help protect soil structure and reduce weed growth.

Avoid smothering emerging shoots.

When Does Garlic Start Growing?

Autumn-planted garlic may begin producing shoots before winter.

Some plants develop green growth during late autumn, while others remain less visible until temperatures rise.

Both situations can be normal.

During spring, garlic generally begins growing more vigorously as daylight and temperatures increase.

Don’t worry if your garlic appears to make little progress during the coldest months.

Much of its early development takes place underground.

Best Fertiliser for Garlic in the UK

Garlic benefits from fertile soil and an appropriate supply of nutrients.

However, excessive feeding can cause problems.

Feeding Before Planting

Well-rotted compost can help improve soil conditions.

Where soil fertility is low, an appropriate balanced fertiliser may be useful.

Feeding in Early Spring

Garlic needs nitrogen to support healthy leafy growth during its main vegetative stage.

An appropriate spring feed may be beneficial if the soil lacks sufficient nutrients.

Feeding During Bulb Development

As bulb formation begins, avoid excessive nitrogen applications.

Too much late nitrogen may encourage leafy growth and delay maturity.

Should You Use Chicken Manure Pellets?

Composted or processed chicken manure pellets can supply nutrients, particularly nitrogen.

However, their nutrient content varies.

Follow the product instructions and avoid overapplication.

Is Blood, Fish and Bone Suitable?

Blood, fish and bone is sometimes used as a general fertiliser.

Whether it is needed depends on existing soil fertility.

A soil test is preferable to applying fertiliser automatically.

How Often Should You Water Garlic?

Garlic needs adequate moisture during active growth, particularly during spring.

However, it doesn’t like waterlogged conditions.

Autumn and Winter

Rainfall is often sufficient.

Additional watering is rarely needed in open ground unless conditions are unusually dry.

Spring

Monitor moisture as leafy growth increases.

Water when the root zone becomes too dry.

Early Summer

Maintain suitable moisture during bulb development.

Before Harvesting

As the plants mature and foliage begins naturally dying back, reduce unnecessary watering.

This helps the crop approach harvest in suitable conditions.

Should You Mulch Garlic?

Mulching can be useful when growing garlic.

A suitable mulch may help:

• Suppress weeds
• Reduce moisture loss
• Protect soil from heavy rain
• Improve soil structure over time

Well-rotted compost can be used as a surface mulch.

Avoid piling thick mulch directly against the stems.

In very wet conditions, excessively moisture-retentive mulch may not be beneficial.

Should You Remove Garlic Scapes?

Hardneck garlic often produces a curling flower stalk known as a garlic scape.

Many gardeners remove the scape while it is still young.

This can help direct more of the plant’s resources towards bulb development, although the effect varies with growing conditions.

When to Remove Garlic Scapes

Remove them while they are young and tender, often when they begin curling.

Can You Eat Garlic Scapes?

Yes.

Garlic scapes are edible and have a mild garlic flavour.

They can be used in:

• Stir-fries
• Pesto
• Soups
• Omelettes
• Roasted vegetables
• Pasta dishes

They are a delicious additional harvest from hardneck garlic.

When Is Garlic Ready to Harvest in the UK?

Garlic is usually harvested during June, July or August.

However, the exact timing depends on the variety and planting date.

Some early varieties mature sooner than others.

Signs Garlic Is Ready to Harvest

Look for:

• Lower leaves beginning to yellow
• Several leaves naturally dying back
• Bulbs reaching a suitable size
• Well-developed cloves inside the bulb

Avoid waiting until every leaf has completely died.

If garlic is left too long, the bulb wrappers may deteriorate and the cloves can begin separating.

How Many Leaves Should Be Yellow?

There is no universal rule that applies to every variety.

A useful approach is to check when several lower leaves have yellowed while some upper leaves remain green.

Carefully lift one test bulb to assess maturity.

How to Harvest Garlic Correctly

Harvesting garlic carefully helps prevent damage and improves storage quality.

Step 1: Choose Suitable Weather

Where possible, harvest during reasonably dry conditions.

Step 2: Loosen the Soil

Use a garden fork to loosen the soil beside the bulbs.

Avoid piercing the garlic.

Step 3: Lift the Bulbs

Gently lift the plants from the soil.

Don’t pull forcefully on the stems if the soil is compacted.

Step 4: Remove Loose Soil

Brush off loose soil carefully.

Avoid washing bulbs intended for long-term storage unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Step 5: Inspect the Harvest

Separate damaged or diseased bulbs.

Use sound but damaged bulbs promptly rather than attempting to store them for months.

How to Dry and Cure Garlic After Harvesting

Curing is an important stage if you want to store garlic successfully.

Freshly harvested garlic contains moisture in its outer layers.

Drying helps prepare the bulbs for storage.

Where to Cure Garlic

Choose a dry, sheltered, well-ventilated location.

Avoid prolonged exposure to rain or intense direct sunlight.

How Long Does Curing Take?

Curing commonly takes approximately two to four weeks, depending on conditions.

Signs Garlic Is Properly Cured

The outer wrappers should feel papery.

The neck should become dry.

Roots should also dry.

What to Do After Curing

Trim roots and stems as appropriate for your chosen storage method.

Softneck garlic can sometimes be plaited.

Hardneck garlic is generally better stored with the stems trimmed.

How to Store Homegrown Garlic

Proper storage helps you enjoy your harvest for longer.

Choose Healthy Bulbs

Store only well-cured bulbs that are free from significant damage or disease.

Keep Garlic Dry

Excess moisture can encourage mould and rotting.

Provide Ventilation

Mesh bags, suitable baskets or other ventilated containers can work well.

Avoid Sealed Plastic Bags

Sealed bags can trap moisture.

Choose Suitable Temperatures

Store cured garlic somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.

Avoid locations where condensation forms.

How Long Does Garlic Last?

Storage life varies by variety and conditions.

Many softneck varieties can store for several months, sometimes considerably longer under excellent conditions.

Hardneck garlic often has a shorter storage life.

Inspect stored bulbs regularly and remove any showing signs of deterioration.

Common Garlic Growing Problems

Although garlic is relatively straightforward to grow, several problems can affect the crop.

Garlic Rust

Garlic rust is a fungal disease that produces orange or rusty-coloured pustules on leaves.

Severe infections can reduce plant growth and bulb development.

To help manage rust:

• Avoid overcrowding.
• Maintain suitable airflow.
• Remove heavily affected crop debris.
• Avoid unnecessary overhead watering.
• Rotate allium crops where practical.

Rust spores can spread through the air, so crop rotation alone will not prevent every infection.

White Rot

Allium white rot is a serious soil-borne fungal disease.

It can cause yellowing leaves, root decay and white fungal growth around the bulb base.

The fungus can persist in soil for many years.

Avoid moving contaminated soil or planting material to clean areas.

Where white rot is confirmed, growing susceptible alliums in that soil may need to be avoided for an extended period.

Onion Fly

Onion fly larvae can damage garlic and related crops.

Fine insect mesh may help protect susceptible plants when installed appropriately.

Slugs

Slugs may damage young garlic shoots, although established plants are often less vulnerable than tender salad crops.

Waterlogging

Saturated soil can encourage root problems and bulb rotting.

Improving drainage is important.

Why Is My Garlic Not Forming Bulbs?

Occasionally, garlic produces plenty of leaves but fails to develop properly divided bulbs.

Possible causes include:

• Insufficient cold exposure
• Planting too late
• Unsuitable variety
• Excessive nitrogen feeding
• Poor growing conditions
• Immature plants
• Inadequate light

Some plants may produce a single rounded bulb rather than a head of separate cloves.

These are sometimes called rounds.

They are still edible.

Why Are My Garlic Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellowing garlic leaves can be normal as the crop approaches maturity.

However, premature yellowing may indicate a problem.

Possible causes include:

• Waterlogging
• Drought
• Nutrient deficiency
• Garlic rust
• Root damage
• Allium white rot
• Natural maturation

Check the timing and overall condition of the plants before taking action.

If lower leaves begin yellowing during early summer and the bulbs are well developed, harvesting may be approaching.

Can You Grow Garlic from Your Own Harvest?

Yes, you can save suitable garlic bulbs for planting the following season.

However, there are risks.

Home-saved garlic may carry diseases that are not immediately obvious.

Select only healthy bulbs from crops with no known disease problems.

Avoid saving planting material from plants affected by serious diseases such as allium white rot.

For the most reliable results, buying healthy planting stock from a reputable supplier is often preferable.

Garlic Companion Planting

Garlic is sometimes recommended as a companion plant for other crops.

Its strong smell has led to claims that it repels various pests.

However, scientific evidence for many companion planting claims is limited or inconsistent.

Garlic can certainly be included in a diverse vegetable garden, but it shouldn’t be relied upon as a guaranteed method of pest control.

Good crop hygiene, appropriate spacing, healthy soil and suitable pest management remain important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Garlic

What Is the Best Month to Plant Garlic in the UK?

October and November are excellent months for planting many autumn garlic varieties.

Can You Plant Garlic in January?

Yes, suitable varieties can be planted during January when soil conditions allow.

Can You Plant Garlic in March?

Some spring-planting varieties can be planted in early March, although later planting may reduce bulb size.

How Deep Should Garlic Be Planted?

Cover the top of each clove with approximately 2–5cm of soil.

How Far Apart Should Garlic Cloves Be?

Approximately 10–15cm apart is suitable for many varieties.

Does Garlic Need Full Sun?

Yes. Garlic generally grows best in a sunny position.

Can Garlic Grow in Shade?

Light shade may be tolerated, but significant shade can reduce growth and bulb development.

Should You Water Garlic During Winter?

Usually not in open ground, unless conditions are unusually dry.

Does Garlic Need Fertiliser?

It depends on soil fertility. A suitable spring feed may help where nutrients are insufficient.

Can You Grow Garlic in Pots?

Yes. Use a deep container with suitable compost and good drainage.

What Is the Difference Between Hardneck and Softneck Garlic?

Hardneck garlic usually produces a central scape, while softneck garlic generally stores for longer and is suitable for plaiting.

Should You Cut Off Garlic Flowers?

Removing young hardneck garlic scapes can help support bulb development.

When Do You Harvest Garlic in the UK?

Most garlic is harvested between June and August.

How Do You Know Garlic Is Ready?

Several lower leaves begin yellowing, and a test bulb shows well-developed cloves.

Can You Eat Garlic Immediately After Harvesting?

Yes. Fresh garlic is edible, although curing is recommended for longer-term storage.

How Long Does Homegrown Garlic Last?

Depending on variety and storage conditions, properly cured garlic can last for several months.

Can You Replant Garlic Every Year?

Yes, but rotate growing areas where practical and use healthy planting material.

Final Thoughts: Growing Garlic Successfully in the UK

Garlic is one of the most satisfying vegetables to grow on a British allotment or in a home garden.

It’s particularly rewarding because you can plant it during autumn, allow it to establish through winter and enjoy harvesting your own bulbs the following summer.

The key to success is choosing suitable varieties, planting at the right time and providing well-drained, fertile soil.

Keep weeds under control, monitor moisture during spring and avoid excessive feeding as the bulbs mature.

When the lower leaves begin to yellow, check the bulbs carefully and harvest at the right stage.

With proper curing and storage, your homegrown garlic can provide delicious flavour for your cooking long after the growing season has finished.

Whether you’re planting a few cloves in a raised bed or dedicating an entire allotment bed to garlic, it’s a crop well worth growing.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!