This one is near and dear to my heart as I use it in Everything! Garlic is a delicious and versatile crop that can be grown easily in many home gardens. From selecting the right type of garlic to harvesting and storing the bulbs, this guide will walk you through the steps to successfully grow your own garlic. With a little effort and care, you can produce delicious, fresh garlic that will enhance the flavor of your meals all year round.

Selecting Garlic

First, choose a type of garlic that is well-suited to your region and growing conditions. Softneck garlic, for example, is well-suited to warmer climates, while Hardneck garlic is better suited to colder regions. 

It is generally not recommended to plant garlic purchased from the grocery store because the bulbs may have been treated with chemicals that prevent sprouting and inhibit growth. Grocery store garlic may also be a variety that is not well-suited to your particular climate or growing conditions. When selecting your garlic, be sure to choose bulbs that are firm, with unbroken skin. If you grew your own garlic the previous year, you can save some of your own cloves to plant!

Not all garden centers sell garlic for planting but there are several retailers and farmers that sell them online. I have purchased from High Mowing Seed Company for the last two years and they have been fabulous!

Planting Garlic

Garlic should be planted in the fall, around 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and add compost or other organic matter to improve fertility. Plant each garlic clove about 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Cover with soil and water them in.  I like to plant them where I plan on planting my peppers the following summer as they are great companions. After planting, cover with a heavy layer of leaves for insulation and just let them be until spring.

Care

Garlic prefers well-drained soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water your garlic regularly, particularly during dry periods. It’s also important to fertilize your garlic to encourage healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal.

Pest and Diseases

Garlic is generally easy to grow and relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for pests like aphids and nematodes, which can damage garlic plants. To control pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. If your plants develop diseases like white rot or rust, remove and discard affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.

Harvesting

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves start to yellow and dry out. To prevent damaging the skin of the bulb, gently loosen the soil around the bulb and lift it from the ground. A damaged bulb won’t store quite as long.

If you are growing hardneck garlic, about 2 weeks before the garlic is ready to harvest, it will develop scapes. Garlic scapes are the curly, green shoots that grow from the garlic bulb. Harvesting them helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing larger garlic bulbs. To harvest garlic scapes, wait until they have formed a full curl, then use a sharp pair of scissors to cut them off at the base where they emerge from the garlic plant. Garlic scapes can be used in a variety of recipes, like pestos and stir-fries or simply grilled or roasted.

Curing

Curing garlic is an important step if you plan on storing garlic bulbs in a root cellar. Once the garlic has been harvested, allow them to dry in a warm, dry location with good air circulation for a few weeks. This helps the garlic to form a protective layer around the bulb, extending its shelf life and preventing mold and other problems during storage. I have done this in our garage, basement, and barn. Laying them in a single layer on spare window screens is a great option. You can also tie the plants in small bundles and hang them upside down. The garlic has fully cured when the leaves are completely dry and brittle. Trim the roots and leaves and store the bulbs in a cool, dry location with good ventilation. 

Storage and Preservation

Properly cured garlic can last for several months or even up to a year if stored correctly. They store best in a cool and dry, root cellar like environment. 

Preservation Methods

• Fermentation: Fermented Garlic or in Salsas
• Freezing: Roast then freeze in small portions
• Pressure Canning: In Tomato Sauces and Salsas
• Dehydrating: To make Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic