Garlic Planting Guide
Pungent allium planted from cloves in fall and harvested the following summer
Best Time and Place to Plant Garlic
In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is October 15 to December 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Garlic in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 65F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | April 1 to April 30 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | March 20 to April 25 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | March 10 to April 20 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | Varies | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 5 | Varies | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 6 | Varies | October 10 to November 20 |
| Zone 7 | Varies | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 8 | Varies | October 20 to December 10 |
| Zone 9 | Varies | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 10 | Varies | November 15 to January 1 |
| Zone 11 | Varies | November 15 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | Varies | December 1 to January 31 |
| Zone 13 | Varies | December 1 to February 15 |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 2 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 65F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week during spring growth; stop 2 weeks before harvest
- Days to harvest: 240
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress in early spring as growth starts
- Blood Meal organic: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Roses
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Brassicas
- Fruit trees
Avoid Planting Near
- Beans
- Peas
- Asparagus
Harvest Signs
- Bottom 3-4 leaves have turned brown and dried
- 5-6 green leaves remain on the plant
- Neck is tight and dry
- Cure in warm, airy shade for 3-4 weeks after harvest
FAQs
When should I plant Garlic?
Garlic planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is October 15 to December 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Garlic?
The best time of year to plant Garlic is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 65F. In USDA zone 7, the typical fall window is October 15 to December 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Garlic?
Plant Garlic in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 65F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Garlic?
Plant Garlic about 6 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Garlic?
Garlic is commonly paired with Roses, Tomatoes, Peppers, Brassicas, Fruit trees.