Planting Garlic and Onions in November: Tips and Advice for a Successful Crop Next Year

November is an ideal time to plant garlic and onions, setting them up for a strong start in the spring growing season. Both garlic and onions thrive when planted in cool temperatures and allowed to establish roots before winter dormancy. By planting in the fall, you’ll give these crops the time they need to grow robust bulbs, resulting in a bountiful harvest next year. In this guide, we’ll provide you with essential tips on planting garlic and onions in November, along with advice on how to care for them through winter.

Why Plant Garlic and Onions in November?

Garlic and onions are cool-season crops that benefit from being planted in the fall, particularly in November when the soil is still workable but the temperatures are cooler. Planting now allows garlic and onion sets to establish strong root systems before winter, and the cool winter period actually promotes bulb development. By the time spring arrives, these crops will be ready to grow vigorously, producing larger bulbs and higher yields.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic and Onions in November

Choose the Right Varieties: Select garlic varieties such as hardneck (for colder climates) or softneck (for milder climates) based on your region. For onions, consider planting overwintering onions that are specifically suited for fall planting. Popular varieties include Walla Walla, Yellow Spanish, and Red Baron.
Prepare the Soil: Garlic and onions thrive in loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enrich it. Ensure the soil is free of weeds and large stones, as garlic and onions need space to grow healthy bulbs. The soil should also be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).
Plant Garlic Cloves:

Separate the Cloves: Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves, leaving the papery skin intact. Choose the largest, healthiest cloves for planting, as these will produce the biggest bulbs.
Plant Depth and Spacing: Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up and the flat (root) end facing down. Space each clove about 4-6 inches apart, with rows spaced about 12 inches apart. This allows the bulbs to grow to their full potential.

Plant Onion Sets:

Choose Healthy Sets: Select small, firm onion sets for planting. Larger sets tend to bolt (go to seed) rather than producing large bulbs, so aim for medium-sized sets.
Plant Depth and Spacing: Plant onion sets about 1-2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up. Space them about 4 inches apart, with rows spaced 12 inches apart. Onions need enough room to grow without being crowded.

Water After Planting: After planting garlic and onion sets, water them thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root development. Watering also helps eliminate any air pockets around the cloves or sets. Continue to water lightly during dry spells throughout the fall.
Mulch for Winter Protection: After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or compost, over the garlic and onion beds. Mulching helps insulate the soil, retains moisture, and protects the plants from freezing temperatures during winter. It also prevents weeds from taking root.

Caring for Garlic and Onions After Planting

Monitor for Frost Protection: Garlic and onions are hardy crops, but in areas with extremely cold winters, you may want to add an extra layer of mulch or frost cloth to protect them from severe frost. The plants should be well-insulated but not smothered.
Check Moisture Levels: While garlic and onions don’t need a lot of water during winter dormancy, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Check moisture levels occasionally and water if necessary, especially during dry spells.
Remove Mulch in Early Spring: As temperatures warm in early spring, you can remove some of the mulch to allow the soil to heat up and encourage active growth. However, leaving some mulch in place helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Why Fall Planting is Best for Garlic and Onions

Fall planting, especially in November, gives garlic and onions a head start by allowing them to establish strong roots before winter. The cold winter period is actually beneficial for these crops, as it promotes bulb formation and helps the plants grow larger bulbs. In contrast, spring planting often results in smaller bulbs and a shorter growing season, as the plants have less time to establish before the heat of summer.

Additional Tips for Planting Garlic and Onions in November

Rotate Your Crops: To avoid disease buildup, avoid planting garlic and onions in the same spot as previous allium crops (onions, leeks, garlic) for at least 2-3 years. Rotating crops helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases affecting your plants.
Test Soil pH: Garlic and onions prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, amend it with lime or sulfur accordingly. A soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for these crops.
Fertilize in Spring: While garlic and onions don’t need fertilizing in the fall, be prepared to apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring when new growth appears. This will help boost their development and result in larger bulbs.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I plant garlic and onions after the first frost in November?
Yes, garlic and onions can be planted even after the first frost as long as the soil is still workable. These crops are hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, so planting them in November will still give them time to establish roots before winter.

Q2: How deep should I plant garlic and onion sets?
Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep and onion sets about 1-2 inches deep. Be sure to plant with the pointed end facing up to encourage proper growth.

Q3: Can I plant garlic and onions in containers?
Yes, garlic and onions can be successfully grown in containers as long as the container is deep enough (at least 8-12 inches) and has good drainage. Use high-quality potting soil enriched with organic matter, and follow the same planting depth and spacing guidelines.

Q4: How long does it take for garlic and onions to grow after fall planting?
Garlic typically takes about 8-9 months to mature after fall planting, with harvest time usually in mid to late summer. Onions planted in the fall will be ready to harvest in early to mid-summer, depending on the variety.

Q5: How much mulch should I apply to garlic and onion beds?
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or compost, to protect the garlic and onion beds from frost and maintain soil moisture. Be careful not to cover the beds too thickly, as this could smother the plants.