Garlic

Category: root-veggies

Growing

  • 📍 Zone: 3-9
  • 🌞 Sun: Full sun
  • 💧 Water: Moderate; consistent moisture needed during early growth, reduce watering as bulbs mature
  • 🌱 Soil: Loose, well-drained, fertile soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH

Planting

  • 📏 Spacing: 4-6 inches apart, rows 12 inches apart
  • 📅 When To Plant: Plant individual cloves in fall (4-6 weeks before ground freezes) or early spring in mild climates
  • 🌱 Propagation: Plant individual cloves from a garlic bulb
  • ⬇️ Depth: 2 inches deep, pointy side up
  • 🤝 Companion:
    • 0: Tomatoes
    • 1: Carrots
    • 2: Beets
    • 3: Lettuce
    • 4: Fruit trees
  • 🚫 Avoid Planting Near:
    • 0: Beans
    • 1: Peas
    • 2: Asparagus

Care & Maintenance

  • ✂️ Pruning: Remove scapes (flower stalks) from hardneck varieties to encourage larger bulb formation
  • General: Keep weed-free; mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weeds

Harvesting & Usage

  • ⏰ When To Harvest: When lower leaves turn brown but 5-6 green leaves remain (usually mid-summer)
  • ✋ How To Harvest: Loosen soil gently and pull bulbs; cure in a dry, airy spot for 2-3 weeks
  • 🥫 Preservation: Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; can also be frozen or pickled

Ecological Info

  • 🐝 Pollinators: If left to flower, will attract bees and beneficial insects
  • 🦌 Wildlife Resistance: Strong scent deters many pests and wildlife
  • 🌿 Nitrogen Fixer: No