When to Plant and Harvest Garlic
Pungent allium planted from cloves in fall and harvested the following summer
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.4. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 32 to 40F and 65 to 70% humidity. Keeps 6 to 7 months. Cure: 3 to 4 weeks in shade with good airflow, until the necks are dry. Do not store garlic in a sealed bag or a damp spot. It molds. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Fresh salsa (pico de gallo), Canned tomato salsa, Weeknight marinara, Basil pesto. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA says cats are more susceptible to onion family plants, but dogs are also at risk depending on the amount eaten. Fence or raise the bed. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Fall only | August 25 to September 8 |
| Zone 2 | Fall only | September 5 to September 19 |
| Zone 3 | Fall only | September 15 to September 29 |
| Zone 4 | Fall only | September 25 to November 15 |
| Zone 5 | Fall only | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 6 | Fall only | October 10 to November 20 |
| Zone 7 | Fall only | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 8 | Fall only | October 20 to December 10 |
| Zone 9 | Fall only | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 10 | Fall only | November 15 to January 1 |
| Zone 11 | Fall only | November 15 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | Fall only | December 1 to January 31 |
| Zone 13 | Fall only | 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
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
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
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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.
How long does Garlic take to grow?
Garlic is typically ready to harvest in about 240 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Garlic?
Harvest Garlic when bottom 3-4 leaves have turned brown and dried. 5-6 green leaves remain on the plant Neck is tight and dry