Planting Garlic in December: Essential Tips for a Successful Harvest

Introduction

December is often seen as a time when gardening slows down, but for those looking to grow garlic, it’s still an excellent month to get those cloves in the ground. Planting garlic in December can yield a bountiful harvest the following summer. It’s easy to grow, requires minimal maintenance, and can thrive even when temperatures dip. If you haven’t planted garlic yet, don’t worry—there’s still time! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planting garlic in December, including best practices, types of garlic, and answers to common questions.

Why Plant Garlic in December?

Cold weather benefits: Garlic requires a period of cold weather (vernalization) to develop properly. Planting in December ensures that garlic cloves experience enough cold to form large, well-developed bulbs.
Extended growing period: Planting garlic in late fall or early winter gives it a head start, allowing it to establish roots before spring growth begins. This leads to bigger and healthier bulbs.
Minimal maintenance: Garlic is low-maintenance once planted, making it an easy addition to your garden, even during the colder months.
Space utilization: Garlic occupies the soil over winter when other crops are dormant, helping you make the most of your garden space throughout the year.

Best Varieties of Garlic to Plant in December

There are two main types of garlic: Hardneck and Softneck. Each has its own characteristics and benefits.

1. Hardneck Garlic

Description: Hardneck varieties are known for their strong flavor and grow a central flower stalk called a scape. They are more cold-hardy than softneck types, making them ideal for colder climates.
Recommended Varieties:
‘Music’: A popular variety with a strong, rich flavor. Known for large, easy-to-peel cloves.
‘Rocambole’: Offers a complex, robust flavor and grows well in colder regions.
‘Purple Stripe’: Known for its attractive purple skin and excellent taste.

2. Softneck Garlic

Description: Softneck garlic varieties do not produce scapes and have a milder flavor. They are better suited for warmer climates and tend to store longer than hardneck types.
Recommended Varieties:
‘California Early’: A common variety with a mild, versatile flavor. Stores well.
‘Silverskin’: Excellent for braiding and has a long shelf life.
‘Inchelium Red’: A softneck variety with a mild, savory taste and good storage capabilities.

How to Plant Garlic in December

Planting garlic is straightforward, and it requires only a little preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose a Suitable Location

Garlic needs plenty of sunlight to grow well. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause rot.

2. Prepare the Soil

Soil quality: Garlic grows best in loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. This encourages root growth and prevents compacted soil from hindering development.

3. Break Apart Garlic Bulbs

Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Be careful not to damage the cloves, as any bruising can lead to rot. Leave the papery skin on each clove, as this helps protect it during the planting process.

4. Plant the Cloves

Depth and spacing: Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Space them about 6 inches apart, with rows spaced 12 inches apart.
Mulch after planting: After planting, cover the area with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, leaves, or hay. Mulch helps insulate the soil, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.

5. Watering

Water the garlic immediately after planting to help the cloves settle into the soil. After this, water lightly and only as needed. Overwatering during winter can lead to rot, so ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Common Problems When Planting Garlic in December

Even though garlic is relatively easy to grow, a few issues may arise:

Rotting cloves: This can occur if the soil is too wet or poorly draining. Ensure proper soil preparation and avoid overwatering.
Poor growth: If the cloves do not receive enough cold exposure, they may produce smaller bulbs. Ensure you are planting at the right time for your region.
Pests: Watch out for pests such as onion maggots, nematodes, and bulb mites. Rotate crops each year and avoid planting garlic in the same spot consecutively.

Tips for a Successful Garlic Harvest

Monitor for growth: Check the garlic bed periodically throughout winter. If mulch becomes compacted, fluff it up to allow air circulation.
Fertilize in spring: Garlic benefits from a boost of nutrients in spring when active growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea to encourage healthy bulb development.
Remove scapes: For hardneck varieties, remove the central flower stalk (scape) when it appears. This allows the plant to focus its energy on growing the bulb, leading to larger cloves.

Harvesting Garlic Planted in December

Garlic planted in December will be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, usually around June or July. Here’s how to know when it’s time to harvest:

Watch for yellowing leaves: When the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to die back, it’s a sign that the garlic is ready to harvest.
Check a few bulbs: Gently dig up a few bulbs to check their size. If they are well-formed, it’s time to harvest.
Cure the garlic: After harvesting, let the garlic cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This process dries out the bulbs and prepares them for long-term storage.

Common Questions and Answers About Planting Garlic in December

Is it too late to plant garlic in December?

No, December is still a good time to plant garlic, especially if you live in a region with milder winters. Ensure the cloves receive enough cold exposure for proper bulb formation.

How deep should I plant garlic cloves?

Plant garlic cloves 2-3 inches deep. This depth helps protect them from frost and ensures proper root development.

What type of soil is best for garlic?

Garlic prefers loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.

Can I plant garlic cloves from the grocery store?

It’s not recommended, as grocery store garlic may be treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting and might not be suited to your local climate. Instead, buy seed garlic from a reputable supplier.

Do I need to fertilize garlic?

Yes, garlic benefits from a balanced fertilizer or compost application in the spring. This helps promote vigorous growth and larger bulbs.

How can I protect my garlic from pests?

Use crop rotation, plant in well-draining soil, and keep the area weed-free. Mulch can also help deter pests by creating a barrier.

What happens if I don’t remove the scapes from my garlic plants?

If you don’t remove the scapes (flower stalks), the plant will focus energy on producing flowers instead of growing larger bulbs. Removing scapes encourages bigger, better garlic.

How much water does garlic need during winter?

Water lightly after planting. During winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient, but ensure the soil doesn’t become too dry or waterlogged.

Can I plant garlic in containers?

Yes, garlic can be grown in containers. Ensure the container is deep enough (at least 8 inches) and has good drainage. Use high-quality potting mix and water as needed.

When will garlic planted in December be ready to harvest?
- Garlic planted in December will typically be ready to harvest in mid to late summer, around June or July, depending on your region and growing conditions.

Learn how to plant garlic in December for a bountiful harvest next summer. Discover essential tips, best varieties, and answers to common questions in our comprehensive guide. Perfect for winter gardeners!

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