When to Plant Garlic in the UK? The Best Guide for a Successful Harvest
Introduction
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, but timing is crucial to ensure bigger bulbs, stronger plants, and a great harvest. If you’re wondering when to plant garlic in the UK, the answer depends on the variety, climate, and growing conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best time to plant garlic in the UK
✅ How seasonal changes affect garlic growth
✅ Step-by-step instructions for planting garlic
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips for growing larger garlic bulbs
Whether you’re a beginner gardener, allotment grower, or container gardener, this guide will help you get the best garlic harvest possible!
When is the Best Time to Plant Garlic in the UK?
Garlic can be planted in autumn or spring, but the best results come from autumn planting, as garlic needs a period of cold weather (vernalization) to form large bulbs.
Autumn Planting (Best for Bigger Bulbs) 🍂
- Best planting time: October – December
- Harvest time: June – July (the following year)
- Best for: Hardneck and softneck garlic varieties
- Why? Cold exposure helps develop larger, stronger bulbs.
💡 Tip: For the biggest bulbs, plant before mid-December to ensure enough winter chill.
Spring Planting (For Warmer Climates or Late Starters) 🌱
- Best planting time: January – March
- Harvest time: August – September
- Best for: Softneck garlic varieties (they mature faster)
- Why? Spring planting can still produce decent bulbs, but they may be smaller due to less cold exposure.
💡 Tip: If planting in spring, choose early-maturing softneck varieties for better results.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Garlic Growth
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Planting (Oct-Dec) | Bigger bulbs, stronger plants, natural cold exposure | Needs well-drained soil to prevent rot |
| Spring Planting (Jan-Mar) | Easier for beginners, good for mild climates | Smaller bulbs, risk of late bolting |
💡 Key Takeaway: If you live in a colder UK region, autumn planting is best. If you missed autumn planting, spring garlic can still produce a good crop with the right care.
How to Plant Garlic in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Choose the Right Garlic Variety
- Best for autumn planting: Hardneck varieties (e.g., Carcassonne Wight, Lautrec Wight, Purple Glazer)
- Best for spring planting: Softneck varieties (e.g., Solent Wight, Early Purple Wight)
2. Prepare the Soil
- Garlic prefers well-draining, loose soil.
- Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas to prevent rot.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
3. Break the Bulb into Cloves
- Select large, healthy cloves (avoid damaged or tiny ones).
- Keep the papery skin intact to protect against disease.
4. Plant at the Correct Depth and Spacing
- Depth: Plant each clove 2-3 cm deep (or 5 cm in colder areas).
- Spacing: Leave 10-15 cm between cloves and 30 cm between rows.
5. Water and Mulch
- Water lightly after planting but avoid overwatering.
- Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
6. Protect from Birds and Pests
- Birds love pulling up garlic cloves! Cover with netting until they are established.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Garlic in the UK
1. Planting Too Deep or Too Shallow
- Planting too deep can slow sprouting. Too shallow makes cloves vulnerable to frost damage.
2. Overwatering
- Garlic dislikes soggy soil. Water only when needed, especially in wet UK winters.
3. Using Supermarket Garlic
- Shop-bought garlic may carry diseases or be unsuitable for UK growing conditions. Always use certified seed garlic.
4. Not Enough Cold Exposure
- Garlic needs chilling to form big bulbs—if planting in spring, choose softneck varieties.
5. Forgetting to Feed at the Right Time
- Garlic is a heavy feeder. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring, then switch to a potassium-based feed as bulbs form.
Conclusion
The best time to plant garlic in the UK depends on your growing conditions and goals. Autumn-planted garlic produces bigger, stronger bulbs, while spring-planted garlic is an option for those who missed autumn planting.
By planting at the right time, choosing the best varieties, and following proper growing techniques, you’ll enjoy a successful garlic harvest!
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Planting Garlic in the UK
1. What is the best month to plant garlic in the UK?
- Autumn garlic: October – December
- Spring garlic: January – March
2. Can I plant garlic in January?
Yes, but use softneck varieties, as they mature faster.
3. How long does garlic take to grow?
- Autumn garlic: 8-9 months
- Spring garlic: 6-7 months
4. Should I soak garlic cloves before planting?
No, soaking can cause rot. Just plant directly into moist soil.
5. Can I grow garlic in containers?
Yes! Use deep containers with good drainage and space cloves 10 cm apart.
6. How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?
When leaves turn yellow and flop over, it’s time to lift and dry.
7. What is the best fertilizer for garlic?
Use high-nitrogen feed in early spring, then switch to potassium-rich fertilizer as bulbs form.
8. Can I plant garlic from the supermarket?
It’s possible, but not recommended—supermarket garlic may carry diseases and be unsuitable for UK conditions.
9. How do I store harvested garlic?
Cure garlic in a dry, ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before storing.
10. Does garlic need full sun?
Yes! Garlic grows best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.