Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic in Autumn
Introduction
Garlic is a staple in kitchens across the world, loved for its bold flavour and health benefits. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest crops to grow at home—especially when planted in autumn. Planting garlic in autumn allows the bulbs to establish strong roots before winter and rewards gardeners with large, flavour-packed cloves by the following summer.
In this comprehensive step-by-step guide to planting garlic in autumn, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right variety and preparing the soil to planting, care, harvesting, and storage. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, this guide will help you grow your best garlic crop yet.
Why Plant Garlic in Autumn?
Planting garlic in autumn (October to November in the UK) allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in. A cold spell (vernalisation) is essential for encouraging the development of large, well-formed bulbs.
Benefits of Autumn Garlic Planting:
- 🌱 Earlier harvest the following summer
- 🌿 Larger bulbs and better yields
- 💪 Stronger, more disease-resistant plants
- 🌾 Makes use of empty autumn beds
Types of Garlic to Grow
There are two main types of garlic:
1. Hardneck Garlic
- Produces flower stalks (called scapes)
- Fewer but larger cloves per bulb
- Stronger flavour
- Shorter storage life
2. Softneck Garlic
- No flower stalks
- More cloves per bulb
- Stores for longer
- Best suited for milder UK climates
Popular UK Varieties:
| Type | Variety | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hardneck | ‘Carcassonne Wight’ | French variety, strong flavour |
| Softneck | ‘Solent Wight’ | Reliable, excellent for UK conditions |
| Softneck | ‘Germidour’ | Mild flavour, early harvesting |
| Hardneck | ‘Lautrec Wight’ | Pink-skinned cloves, gourmet choice |
When to Plant Garlic in Autumn
- Ideal Time (UK): Mid-October to late November
- Soil Temperature: Above freezing but cool enough for vernalisation
- Avoid soggy ground: Wet conditions can cause rot
If your area gets heavy frost early, plant a little earlier and consider using cloches or mulch to protect young shoots.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic in Autumn
Step 1: Choose Healthy Garlic Bulbs
- Buy certified disease-free seed garlic from a reputable supplier.
- Avoid using supermarket garlic, which may be treated to prevent sprouting or be unsuitable for your climate.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Garlic thrives in:
- Full sun with at least 6 hours of daylight
- Free-draining soil, ideally loamy or sandy
- Neutral to alkaline pH (6.5–7.5)
How to Prepare:
- Remove weeds and debris.
- Work in well-rotted compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
- Avoid fresh manure—it encourages rot.
Tip: If soil is heavy clay, use raised beds or plant in large containers with drainage.
Step 3: Break Apart Bulbs Into Cloves
- Just before planting, separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
- Plant only the largest, healthiest cloves—smaller ones produce smaller bulbs.
Step 4: Plant Garlic Cloves
How Deep and Far Apart to Plant:
- Plant cloves 2.5–5cm deep with the pointed end facing upwards
- Space cloves 15cm apart
- Leave 30cm between rows
How-To:
- Use a dibber or your finger to create a hole to the correct depth.
- Drop the clove in, pointy end up.
- Cover with soil and firm down gently.
- Water well after planting.
Step 5: Mulch and Label
- Cover beds with a light mulch of straw, compost, or leaf mould to insulate soil and suppress weeds.
- Add plant labels with the variety and date for reference.
Caring for Garlic Through Winter and Spring
Winter Care:
- In milder climates, green shoots may appear before winter—this is normal.
- In colder areas, garlic may go dormant and reappear in spring.
- Use fleece or cloches during heavy frost or snow.
Spring and Early Summer Care:
Watering:
- Keep soil moist during dry spells, especially as bulbs swell (May–June).
- Stop watering two weeks before harvest to prevent rot.
Weeding:
- Garlic doesn’t compete well—weed regularly to prevent competition.
Feeding:
- In early spring, apply a high-potash fertiliser (e.g., tomato feed) every few weeks.
Harvesting Garlic
When to Harvest:
- Mid-June to July, depending on variety and planting date
- When lower leaves turn yellow and flop over, but upper leaves are still green
How to Harvest:
- Use a fork to gently loosen the soil.
- Lift bulbs carefully to avoid bruising.
- Don’t pull by the stems.
Curing and Storing Garlic
How to Cure Garlic:
- Lay bulbs out in a dry, airy place out of direct sunlight (e.g., shed, greenhouse)
- Let them dry for 2–3 weeks until outer skins are papery and necks are dry
Storing Garlic:
- Store in braids, nets, or slatted trays
- Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Avoid storing in the fridge—it encourages sprouting
Shelf life:
- Softneck: up to 6–9 months
- Hardneck: 3–5 months
Growing Garlic in Containers
Don’t have space? Garlic grows well in pots or containers.
How-To:
- Use containers at least 20–25cm deep
- Use multipurpose compost mixed with grit
- Space cloves 10–15cm apart
- Water regularly and feed monthly with liquid fertiliser
Common Garlic Growing Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Symptoms | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| White rot | Bulbs rot, white fungal growth | Rotate crops, don’t replant in affected area |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Improve airflow, remove affected leaves |
| Soft or small bulbs | Poor soil, lack of sunlight or water | Fertilise in spring, water consistently |
| Cloves not forming bulbs | Planted too late or poor variety | Use proper timing and certified stock |
Companion Planting with Garlic
Garlic helps deter pests and can benefit neighbouring plants.
Good Companions:
- Carrots
- Beets
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Roses (repels aphids)
Avoid Planting Near:
- Beans
- Peas
- Asparagus
Conclusion
Planting garlic in autumn is a rewarding way to make the most of your garden through the cooler months. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a bountiful summer harvest of homegrown garlic that stores well and elevates every dish. Whether you choose hardneck or softneck, plant in beds or containers, follow these steps and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own garlic from clove to bulb.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Planting Garlic in Autumn
1. When is the best time to plant garlic in the UK?
October to November is ideal for autumn planting. Earlier in milder areas, later if the ground is still workable.
2. Can I plant supermarket garlic?
It’s not recommended. Use certified seed garlic to avoid diseases and ensure reliable growth.
3. How deep should I plant garlic cloves?
Plant cloves 2.5–5cm deep with the pointed end facing up.
4. Can I plant garlic in containers?
Yes, garlic does well in containers with well-draining compost and full sun.
5. Do garlic plants need a lot of water?
Not during winter, but water during dry spring spells. Stop watering two weeks before harvest.
6. What type of garlic is best for autumn planting?
Both hardneck and softneck types are suitable, but choose varieties bred for your climate.
7. How do I protect garlic in cold weather?
Mulch the soil and use fleece or cloches during hard frost.
8. Why didn’t my garlic form bulbs?
Causes include late planting, overcrowding, poor soil, or unsuitable variety.
9. How long does it take for garlic to grow?
From autumn planting to summer harvest, it takes 7–9 months.
10. How long can I store garlic after harvest?
Softneck types store for 6–9 months, hardneck for 3–5 months if cured and stored properly.