How to Plant Garlic in November: Essential Tips for a Successful Harvest

Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow, and November is often the last opportunity to plant it if you haven’t already. Garlic thrives when planted in the cooler months, allowing it to establish roots before winter sets in and grow vigorously in spring. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plant garlic in November for a healthy, bountiful harvest next summer.

Why Plant Garlic in November?

Planting garlic in November gives the cloves time to develop strong roots before the ground freezes. Cold weather helps trigger the growth of healthy bulbs, and garlic that experiences a period of cold tends to produce larger, more flavorful bulbs. If you missed the earlier fall planting window, don’t worry—November is still an ideal time to plant garlic in most regions, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

Top Tips for Planting Garlic in November

1. Choose the Right Type of Garlic

There are two main types of garlic you can plant: softneck and hardneck. Each type has its own characteristics, and your choice will depend on your climate and personal preference.

Hardneck garlic: This variety is best for colder climates. It produces a stiff central stalk, known as a “scape,” which can be harvested and eaten in early summer. Hardneck garlic tends to have larger cloves and a more complex flavor.
Softneck garlic: Ideal for warmer climates, softneck garlic produces smaller cloves but stores longer than hardneck varieties. It doesn’t produce a scape, but it’s perfect for braiding and long-term storage.

2. Prepare the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare your garden bed by removing weeds and working in compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s texture and nutrient content. Garlic prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so test your soil if needed and amend it accordingly.

Tip: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches to give the garlic cloves plenty of space for root development.

3. Break Apart the Garlic Bulbs

When you’re ready to plant, gently break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Be careful not to damage the cloves as you separate them—each clove will grow into a new garlic bulb.

Tip: Plant only the largest, healthiest-looking cloves, as these will produce the biggest bulbs. Discard any damaged or soft cloves, as they may not grow well.

4. Plant the Cloves

Garlic cloves should be planted with the pointed end facing up and the flat, root-end facing down. Space the cloves about 4-6 inches apart in rows that are spaced about 12 inches apart. Plant the cloves 2-3 inches deep, ensuring they are well-covered with soil.

Tip: Planting garlic too shallow may expose it to winter frost, so be sure to cover it well with soil and mulch for protection.

5. Mulch Heavily

Mulching is especially important when planting garlic in November, as it helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent frost heaving. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings, to cover the garlic bed. This will protect the cloves from cold temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions.

Tip: Aim for a mulch layer that’s 4-6 inches thick to provide adequate insulation through the winter.

6. Water After Planting

After planting, water the garlic bed thoroughly to help the cloves settle into the soil and start rooting. Garlic needs moisture to establish its roots, but once the cold weather sets in, the soil should be kept on the drier side to prevent rot.

Tip: Keep an eye on moisture levels—garlic doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, especially during the winter months.

7. Monitor the Bed Through Winter

Garlic is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, but it’s a good idea to check the bed periodically during the winter. If the mulch gets displaced by wind or rain, add more to ensure the garlic remains well-protected. In areas with heavy snow, the snow itself can act as an insulating layer, so no additional mulching is necessary.

8. Look for Spring Growth

In early spring, as the temperatures start to warm, you’ll notice green shoots emerging from the soil. At this point, you can remove some of the mulch to allow the shoots to grow freely. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize if needed to encourage strong growth.

Tip: Hardneck varieties will produce garlic scapes in late spring or early summer—cut these off to allow the plant to focus its energy on bulb production.

9. Harvest Garlic in Summer

Garlic planted in November will be ready to harvest in mid to late summer. The bulbs are ready when the lower leaves turn brown and begin to dry, while the upper leaves remain green. Gently lift the bulbs from the soil, brush off excess dirt, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.

Tip: Don’t wash the bulbs immediately after harvesting—wait until they’ve cured before cleaning them.

Most Common Questions and Answers About Planting Garlic in November

Q1: Is it too late to plant garlic in November?
A: No, November is still a great time to plant garlic, as long as the ground isn’t frozen. Garlic cloves need time to establish roots before winter, and cooler temperatures help trigger bulb formation. Planting in November ensures a summer harvest.

Q2: What type of garlic should I plant in November?
A: Hardneck garlic is the best option for cold climates and can be planted in November. Softneck garlic can also be planted but is better suited to warmer climates. Both types will grow well as long as they’re planted before the ground freezes.

Q3: How deep should I plant garlic cloves?
A: Plant garlic cloves 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Be sure to cover the cloves with enough soil to protect them from frost and mulch heavily to insulate the bed.

Q4: How do I prepare the soil for planting garlic?
A: Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Q5: Do I need to mulch garlic planted in November?
A: Yes, mulching is essential for garlic planted in November. Apply a thick layer of mulch (4-6 inches) to protect the cloves from freezing temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions. Mulch helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent frost heaving.

Q6: Should I water garlic after planting?
A: Yes, water the garlic bed thoroughly after planting to help the cloves establish roots. However, avoid overwatering during winter, as garlic dislikes sitting in waterlogged soil, which can lead to rot.

Q7: Can I plant garlic in containers?
A: Yes, garlic can be successfully grown in containers, as long as the container is deep enough to allow for root development (at least 8-10 inches deep). Use well-draining potting soil and mulch the surface to protect the cloves from cold weather.

Q8: What happens if I plant garlic too late in the season?
A: If garlic is planted too late, the cloves may not have enough time to establish roots before winter. This can result in smaller bulbs at harvest. However, garlic is a resilient plant, and even late plantings can still produce a decent crop if properly mulched and cared for.

Q9: How do I protect garlic from freezing temperatures?
A: To protect garlic from freezing, mulch the bed with organic materials like straw or shredded leaves. This insulates the soil and prevents frost heaving. In particularly cold climates, you can also add a frost cloth or row cover for extra protection.

Q10: When will my garlic be ready to harvest?
A: Garlic planted in November will be ready to harvest in mid to late summer. The bulbs are ready when the lower leaves turn brown, and the top leaves remain green. Harvest the bulbs carefully, let them cure, and store them in a cool, dry place.

By following these steps to plant garlic in November, you’ll ensure your garlic has time to establish roots before winter sets in. Proper soil preparation, mulching, and care will lead to a bountiful harvest of flavorful garlic next summer. Whether you’re growing hardneck or softneck varieties, planting garlic in November is a simple and rewarding task that will pay off in the kitchen for months to come.