When to plant
Plant cloves in autumn (4–6 weeks before the ground freezes) for the following summer harvest. Fall-planted garlic develops a large root system over winter and produces much larger bulbs than spring-planted garlic. In mild climates, plant between October and December.
Soil & site
Garlic needs fertile, well-drained, deeply prepared soil. pH 6.0–7.0. Work in compost before planting in fall. Garlic is planted in autumn, overwinters, and is harvested the following summer. It needs well-draining soil — standing water causes rot.
Feeding
Fertilize in spring when shoots emerge with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost top-dress. Stop all feeding by early summer (when the bulb is sizing up) — late feeding interferes with the curing process and reduces storage life.
Common problems
White rot fungal disease (yellowing leaves, white fluffy mould at base — no cure, remove plant, don't plant alliums in that spot for 15+ years). Onion fly maggots — cover with fine mesh. Bulb nematodes in wet soils. Rust (orange pustules on leaves) — improve air circulation.
When to harvest
Garlic is ready when about half the leaves have turned brown and fallen over, but the other half are still green. In most climates, this is midsummer. Dig a test bulb — wrappers should be intact and papery, cloves should be plump and full.
How to harvest
Use a garden fork to loosen soil 10 cm away from the base before lifting — never pull by the stem as it can separate from the bulb. Lift gently. Brush off excess soil but don't wash. Handle carefully as any bruising reduces storage life. Lay flat or hang in bunches immediately for curing.
Storage & use
Curing is essential: hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space for 3–6 weeks until the outer wrappers are completely papery and dry. Properly cured garlic stores at cool room temperature for 6–12 months depending on variety (hardneck varieties store 3–6 months; softneck up to 12). Never refrigerate uncured garlic.
Companion planting
Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles naturally.
Useful for growing garlic
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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