The Art and Science of Growing Garlic: A Guide for Gardeners and Growers

Growing garlic is one of those satisfying garden projects that rewards patience and planning with bold flavor and long-lasting utility. Whether you're a backyard grower or managing a small farm plot, garlic offers a low-maintenance, high-value crop that fits beautifully into seasonal rhythms...

The first step is choosing the right type of garlic for your climate and goals. Hardneck varieties, like Rocambole or Purple Stripe, are ideal for colder regions like upstate New York. They produce fewer but larger cloves and develop a central flower stalk called a scape, which can be harvested and eaten in early summer. Softneck types, such as Silverskin or Artichoke, thrive in milder climates and store longer, making them popular for braiding and bulk storage.

Garlic thrives in loamy, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Before planting, it’s worth investing time in soil prep—adding compost or aged manure to boost organic matter and improve drainage. Raised beds or mounded rows can help prevent waterlogging, which is especially important in clay-heavy soils.

Timing is everything. In northern climates, garlic is best planted in mid to late October, about four to six weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter dormancy. Each bulb should be broken into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact. Plant them pointy side up, about two inches deep and spaced six inches apart. Once planted, a thick layer of mulch—straw, leaves, or grass clippings—helps insulate the soil and suppress weeds.

As spring arrives, garlic begins its upward push. While it doesn’t demand constant attention, a few key practices will make a big difference. Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth, especially in May and June when bulbs are forming. Weed control is essential, as garlic doesn’t compete well. And if you’re growing hardneck varieties, snipping off the scapes in early summer redirects energy into the bulbs. Bonus: garlic scapes are delicious sautéed or blended into pesto.

Harvest typically happens in mid to late July, once the lower leaves have browned but a few green ones remain. Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs—never yank them by the stalk. After harvest, garlic needs to cure. Lay the bulbs out in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated space for two to three weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and stalks and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.

One of the best parts of growing garlic is its cyclical nature. Save your healthiest bulbs for next year’s planting, rotate your beds to prevent disease, and keep an eye out for pests like onion maggots or fungal issues, especially in wet seasons.

With a little foresight and care, garlic becomes more than just a crop—it’s a cornerstone of the garden, a pantry staple, and a quiet triumph of seasonal growing.