How to Grow and care Garlic: A 25-Year Expert’s Guide

Yes, you can grow your garlic right now, and I promise you that it won’t be a boring experience overall; in fact, you’ll enjoy the whole process! Growing this plant is easy, and when your harvest is ready, it will give your food a great taste.

I  still remember the first time I saw my father grow garlic. I was very young, but I was absorbed by the whole process. My planting expertise truly began at that time, and as I grew older, I began growing my vegetables and spices.

When you first decide to grow something, it may seem difficult, but once you try it, you start to enjoy it—that was the case for me, too. Right now, there are a few things you should truly understand and keep in mind when growing garlic to avoid mistakes and grow the best possible crop.

You will need to understand the different types of garlic and the proper methods for growing it. Don’t worry, then! Along with sharing some of my personal memorable experiences, I’m going to provide expert guidance on how to grow garlic fascinatingly today. You won’t get bored at all with this method. So make a cup of coffee for yourself and carefully read this entire guide!

Choosing the Right Garlic Type

There are many garlic varieties. You can select one or more before planting, based on your tastes and meal plans. Every kind of garlic has unique features, and the ideal time of year and growing technique can change. Choosing a garlic variety that is suitable for your local climate is usually the best option.

I will discuss the main and authentic types of garlic, which are usually the only two. After that, you can decide which to plant. But I’ll also mention elephant garlic here because many people aren’t aware of it.

1. Hardneck Garlic
2. softneck Garlic
3. Elephant Garlic

The choice between hardneck, softneck, and elephant garlic is personal. It also depends on the conditions, especially for a gardener in USDA zone 5b. After much testing, I’ve come to appreciate each type of garlic. Each has its own unique traits and benefits.

Hardneck Garlic: The Flavor Powerhouse

Hardneck garlic is a great choice for those who enjoy solid, robust flavors. This variety quietly appears in the kitchen and is well-known for its usually spicy flavor.

They usually produce 12 or several large, identical cloves. They form a single layer around a strong central tail called a scape. If you’re a foodie like me and enjoy trying new things, the scapes are an amazing bonus. Pre-summer is the ideal time to gather them for a delicious pesto or to sauté them.

There’s a deal, anyway. Hardneck garlic has a short storage life of about 90 days. It is best for those who will use it during the growing season.

Hardneck types, as far as I can tell, grow in our colder winters. They provide some flexibility and quick growth in spring. Additionally, because of their durability, they are ideal for zone 5b’s chilly evenings. For more information about this variety, check out Hardneck Garlic.

Softneck Garlic: The Long-lasting Favorite

However, softneck varieties are the greatest option if you’re drawn toward long-term storing and perhaps the appeal of meshed garlic. These varieties don’t produce the hard focus tail that hard necks produce, but overall, their tops remain flexible, allowing you to create adorable garlic interlaces that can be a lovely addition to your kitchen’s design scheme or given as gifts to friends.

Softnecks may be stored for a long time or even longer, and because of their milder flavor, they can be used in a variety of ordinary cooking scenarios. They are excellent if you like a milder garlic flavor or need garlic that will endure the colder months because they have up to 40 more subdued, unexpected cloves in many layers. For More Information about this variety checkout Softneck Garlic.

Elephant Garlic

Elephant garlic is a new variety of garlic that stands out by its huge size and mild flavor. By its name, it’s nothing more than a member of the onion family than a true garlic. Only a few huge cloves can be found in each bulb, making them far larger than typical garlic varieties.

Compared to regular garlic, elephant garlic has a softer flavor, which makes it a popular choice for those who like a milder taste. Although it grows in areas with a longer growing season, it can thrive in a variety of settings and is often planted in highly deficient soil given plenty of sunlight. This mixture can also be cooked fully for a smooth, sweet joy, and is frequently used in cooking uses where a milder garlic flavor is desired.For More Information about this variety checkout Elephant Garlic.

Which option did I choose?

A few years ago, I raised garlic in my grandparents’ garden and was also unsure which type to plant. I hence talked to my friends and asked multiple experts for their opinions. They all agreed that you had to base your decision on the climate in your area. I ultimately opted for hardneck garlic instead of softneck. 

Prepare The Cloves Before Planting

Make sure you select the biggest and best cloves for the best growth by separating them from the bulb before planting. Check each clove for signs of damage, defect, or disease. Solid cloves should be robust, with very few defects or flaws. Do not plant any cloves that do not seem attractive because they could make the crop less productive overall.

If you want to see the process of growing garlic, then you can watch this

When to Plant Garlic? Timing Tips for Success in 2024

Garlic needs specific planting times (e.g., October-November) and matures slowly. So, it may not suit all gardeners or locations. As temperatures vary by country and state, it’s best for everyone to grow locally suited garlic.

In my area (USDA zone 5b), garlic is usually planted in mid- to late-October or early November. According to the region’s climate, I also grow garlic. Growing garlic in the pre-winter autumn can be beneficial. It allows the roots to continue growing. Growing garlic properly and producing large, robust bulbs requires vernalisation, a period of cold temperatures.

Garlic cloves enjoy the winter cold when planted in autumn, which promotes quick growth in spring. Also, some varieties may not grow well in hotter, humid climates. As the climates can vary by zone, you can visit here for more info: (When and Where to Plant Garlic).

Preparing Your Soil: Garlic’s Perfect Growing Conditions

I’ve grown garlic for years, and I’ve found the key to bigger, healthier bulbs is getting the soil right. Below, I’ve listed what I’ve found about soil.

• Soil Requirements for Garlic: Garlic needs loose, well-drained soil. Thick or earthy soil could cause flooding roots and smaller, bent bulbs. For the best results, use soil that is highly depleted and loamy. It must have the perfect balance of air circulation and water retention. It allows garlic roots to breathe by providing the space necessary for deep growth.

• Perfect Soil Structure: Loamy soil, a nutritious mixture of clay, silt, and sand, is ideal for garlic growth. Loam allows for good drainage and effectively retains moisture and nutrients. If your soil is sandy or heavy, improve it. Aim for a loamy texture over time. You’ll see better garlic.
  
• Mixing Compost: I always make sure to add compost! Every time I plant, I put in a thick layer of compost two to three inches deep. In addition to feeding the garlic, compost enhances the texture of the soil and is rich in nutrients.
  
• Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen, are best. Fish fertilizer and blood meal are examples. They give garlic a steady supply of nutrients as it grows. To avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of the bulbs, reduce nitrogen as spring progresses.
  
• Loosening and Air Circulation in the soil: Garlic may be more tested in compost soil. I till the bed to a depth of 8 to 10 inches with each autumn. This loosening helps the bulbs grow by giving the garlic room to spread. In addition, circulating air prevents standing water and supports the growth of healthy roots.
  
• Benefits of Tilling: My garlic crops have experienced significant growth as a result of tilling. Turning over the soil allows fresh oxygen to enter. This helps bacteria and improves root structure. In my experience, garlic grows much better with plenty of space to spread out and absorb nutrients.
  
• Preventing Compaction with Raised Beds and Row Spacing: I later found that raised beds are great for garlic. They prevent soil compaction and help with drainage. In the spring, they also warm up at a faster rate, which gives garlic an early boost. To prevent root competition, I space the cloves around 6 to 8 inches apart when I plant. My garlic harvests have been greatly impacted by the extra division and the slightly higher beds.

Experiments have shown that these methods produce garlic that is larger and more delicious. When collect time comes around, you’ll be recognized for taking the time to properly make your bed.

Can we Grow Garlic in Container?

Yes, with a proper setup, garlic can be successfully grown in containers. Mix manure, sand, peat greenery, and fertilized soil in a container with drainage holes. Try not to pack the garlic cloves too closely together so that each one has space to grow. Water daily to keep the earth softly moist since garlic in containers requires consistent moisture.

Garlic is often grown in containers or pots by those who do not have a proper garden, but this needs thoughtful planning. Garlic needs air and sunlight, which pots may not always provide. Despite this, people with little space can still grow garlic in holders, although it requires more thought.

For example, some people tried growing garlic in their balconies but failed to achieve a good crop because to insufficient sunlight, while others succeeded by being able to meet all the requirements. You can read my this article for more in-depth info Vegetable Container Gardening: A Complete Guide in 2024

A few years ago, I decided to help a family in my neighborhood grow garlic on their roof after seeing them do it. I gave it regular watering, fertilized it with manure, and gave it careful thought, all of which ultimately gave rise to an amazing harvest for them. This shows how to grow garlic even in small areas if you follow the right instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic

We have already selected the type of garlic as we proceed through the order process, but you can select any kind you want. After that, we’ll prepare the soil according to the climate of your area and the type of soil you want to grow in.

Right now is the ideal moment to get ready to plant the garlic cloves. When I started growing garlic, I had no idea how to go about these many processes, so I did a lot of research. From my friends and family also I went to multiple platforms, such as Quora and Reddit, where people were discussing the growth of garlic. Watching videos on YouTube also really aided me. I have At that time, I decided that I would be a simple, helpful assistant for beginner gardeners. This is how we should start preparing to plant the garlic cloves!

It’s a simple task to grow garlic. To help you get the most out of your garlic harvest, here is an in-depth guide.

Step 1: Preparing to Plant

• Orientation of the Clove: Put the flat root end of each clove down and the pointy portion up. This makes it more likely that the garlic will sprout properly.
  
• Depth: Cloves should be planted about 4 inches deep some people say 2 inches depth is enough but the best yield is 4 inches, close enough to the soil’s surface to allow for healthy growth but still covered enough to prevent damage from frost. The 4-inch planting depth resulted in the highest yield and larger garlic heads, making it the optimal choice for future plantings.

Step 2: Spacing For Growth and Airflow

• Spacing: Leave rows about 12 inches distant, and space each clove about 6 to 8 inches away. This reduces the risk of disease by allowing each plant space to grow, acquire nutrients, and receive excellent wind flow.

Step 3: Mulching for Protection

• Mulch type: Apply a thin layer of dried leaves, straw, or any type of natural mulch to the growing area. By doing this, the garlic will be protected from temperature fluctuations and kept warm throughout the winter.

• Benefits of Mulching: Mulching maintains the warmth of the soil and prevents weeds from fighting with garlic for nutrients. The straw or leaf layer can be left in place in the spring. Garlic shoots continue to support weed concealment and moist maintenance since they are strong enough to push through the mulch.

Late October garlic planting has produced excellent results for me in Zone 5b. This is based on my best experience, and I’m sure you’ll receive a strong, healthy harvest as well if you follow these steps. After planting garlic cloves, let’s proceed to the next procedure. Stay with me!

Watering Your Garlic Plants for Healthy Garlic Plants

Having a good watering schedule is crucial for growing healthy garlic, and I’ve become better at it over many years of experimenting. A solid watering schedule is essential as garlic requires a steady supply of moisture, especially in its early stages.

Try not to soak the soil; instead, keep it consistently moist. Garlic typically has to be watered once a week during the cooler months, though this depends on the soil type and rainfall.

Controlling the quantity of wetness is crucial as too little may cause the cloves to dry up, and too much can cause root rot. As spring arrives and temperatures rise, you may need to adjust the frequency of watering to keep track of the garlic’s changing demands, usually rising to a few times each week. Avoid watering close to harvest time; letting the soil dry out a bit while the bulbs grow will result in firm, greatly recovered heads that keep well.

Your garlic will keep growing throughout the seasons if you maintain a balance between being aware of the conditions in your garden and being cautious about how wet it is.

Garlic Scapes: The Hidden Gem of Garlic Growing

After a few seasons, I noticed a noticeable difference in bulb size after checking garlic scapes. The wavy green stems that appear on hardneck garlic varieties in late spring or pre-summer are known as garlic scapes.

These scapes are the bloom stems of the plant, and because they are visually appealing, they also divert energy away from the garlic bulb. Cutting them off, usually, as they start to twist, helps the plant focus its energy on producing larger, healthier bulbs.

Use sharp scissors or garden cutters to cut off scapes close to where they emerge from the leaves, being careful not to damage the plant. Don’t discard the scapes once you’ve collected them; they have a flavor! You can use them just like you would chives or green onions.

In addition to being delicious sautéed, combined with other ingredients to form plunges, or barbecued for a mild, garlicky delight, I’ve discovered that they also make a fantastic pesto. In addition to being a process of growth, managing garlic scapes may also be a fun culinary activity.

Identify When to Harvest

As a long-time garlic grower, I have learned that timing the harvest accurately is the key to high-quality bulbs that are easy to store. Paying close attention to the leaves is the best way to figure out when your garlic is ready.

The best time to harvest is usually when the bottom half of the leaves becomes brown and dry, which usually happens in late June or early July. If you wait for this typical yellowing, it means the cloves are growing nicely and should keep well.

You can harvest it earlier when the plant is still fresh and green if you’re not referring to “green garlic” (a milder kind in which you use both the stem and the bulb). Just be aware that green garlic is best suited for fresh use and has a shorter shelf life.

I usually advise carefully uncovering the bulbs rather than dragging them out when the time is right. Lift them from under with a spade or a garden fork, being careful not to cause any edema. This careful technique prevents damage and prolongs the freshness of the garlic.

In which dishes garlic can be used?

Additionally, growing your own fresh garlic is cost-effective and gives you a tasty and nutritious spice that’s essential in every kitchen. When mature, garlic may be used to its fullest, but green garlic can be used in a variety of recipes to add freshness to your food.

For instance, I often use green onions and garlic in the kitchen. For many years, I have been using them to make chutneys and to add to my mixed vegetables and spinach, among other green vegetables. And trust me the taste of green garlic is so delicious. 

A versatile ingredient, garlic adds flavor to a variety of meals. Here are a few common use for garlic:

• Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that includes butter, spices, and minced garlic spread on bread and cooked till fresh.

• Pasta dishes: Oil-based sauces like aglio e olio or salsa or pesto gain richness from the addition of garlic.

• Pan-sears: Sautéed veggies and proteins are typically seasoned with garlic cloves.

• Soups and Stews: Garlic is commonly used to enhance the taste profiles of soups (such as chicken noodle soup or garlic soup) and stews.

• Broiled Vegetables: Tossing veggies in garlic and olive oil before cooking brings out their natural flavor.

• Marinades: Adding flavor and tenderness to marinades for meats, fish, and tofu, garlic is a basic ingredient.

• Sauces: It is typically used in salad dressings and dips like hummus, salsa, and garlic mayo.

• Curry: Garlic is often linked with curry pastes or used in several Asian and Indian recipes.

• Pizza: For an extra spice, add fresh or cooked garlic to your pizza.

• Meat meals: It’s a common ingredient in meat meals, whether in stuffing, rubs, or as part of sauces for lamb, chicken, or patties.

That is not enough these are just a limited number of scenarios of how garlic’s strong flavor may enhance any flavorful dish!

Troubleshooting Common Garlic Growing Issues

I’ve faced many challenges in the long process of growing garlic. In particular, pests and diseases can weaken my plants. The onion parasite is a well-known irritant. If unchecked, it can threaten bulbs.

Another annoyance is thrips, which can be difficult to spot but can do serious damage. Growing garlic near other crops, like strawberries, is beneficial. It helps to deter irritations as it repels some unwanted insects.

In terms of diseases, I’ve needed to be on alert for problems like Fusarium, white rot, and rust. Crop rotation and good soil health are vital. They prevent damaging diseases.

I’ve also dealt with bulb separation. It’s often due to uneven watering or sudden changes in moisture. I water the bulbs at consistent intervals and avoid letting them dry out to prevent this.

Nutrient deficiencies or harsh soil conditions can also restrict growth. To avoid this, I focus on proper preparation. I ensure my garlic has a balanced mix of vitamins during its growing season.

Thank you for reading! Growing garlic is easy and rewarding with the right knowledge. I hope this guide inspires you to start a garlic garden. Please share your tips, questions, or experiences in the comments. Wishing you a bountiful garlic harvest! 😊