Growing Garlic

Growing your own garlic is certainly worthwhile. It requires a long growing season but the flavor is well worth the time it takes.

 Choosing Garlic Varieties

• Select hardneck garlic (like Music, Russian Red, Bogyrt) — they thrive in cold climates.

• Avoid softneck varieties, as they don’t overwinter well in northern zones.

  
  

 When to Plant

• Plant in the fall, 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes.

• In Zone 3, this is typically late September to mid-October.

• Fall planting allows garlic to root before winter and sprout in spring.

  
  

 Site & Soil Prep

• Choose a sunny location with 6–8 hours of direct light daily.

• Soil should be loose, fertile, and well-draining.

• Work in compost or aged manure before planting to enrich the soil.

• Ideal soil pH: 6.0–7.0.

  
  

Planting Garlic

• Break apart garlic bulbs into individual cloves right before planting.

• Plant cloves pointy side up, 2–3 inches deep.

• Space cloves 4–6 inches apart, with 12–18 inches between rows.

  
  

 Mulching for Winter

• After planting, cover with 4–6 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or hay.

• Mulch protects from deep freezes and prevents soil heaving.

• In spring, leave mulch in place — it helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  
  

 Watering

• Garlic likes consistent moisture but not soggy soil.

• Water deeply once a week in spring and early summer if rainfall is low.

• Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest to allow bulbs to cure in the ground.

  
  

 Fertilizing

• Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer (like blood meal or fish emulsion) in early spring to support leaf growth.

• Side-dress with compost or fertilizer again in mid-spring if growth is slow.

  
  

 Scapes (for Hardneck Garlic)

• In early summer, garlic sends up curly flower stalks called scapes.

• Cut them off when they curl — this directs energy back into the bulb.

• Bonus: scapes are edible and delicious!

  
  

  Harvesting And Curing

• Harvest mid-summer (Late July to early August), when the bottom 1/3–1/2 of leaves have turned brown.

• Loosen soil carefully and lift bulbs by hand (don’t pull by the stems).

• Cure garlic in a dry, airy, shaded spot for 2–3 weeks until skins are papery.

• Store cured garlic in a cool, dry place — lasts 6–8 months.

• It can be hung in bundles or placed on wire mesh racks.