Garlic is one of the most rewarding plants to grow, it is easy to grow, loves the frost, works as a pest deterrent and is brilliant in all cuisines; with lots of heath benefits!
Planting
Planting garlic is pretty simple, it's a very forgiving crop that is brilliant for beginners. We have planted later than recommended, earlier than recommended, with poor spacing etc. and never been disappointed with the yield!
When to plant
They say to plant on the shortest day of the year for harvest on the longest day. We have had success planting garlic from October right through to Spring (being the latest you can plant) although bear in mind that garlic loves the frost so before a frost is better.
How to plant
Garlic should be planted with the pointy part of the clove pointing up, the depth of the bulb and 4" apart. It can be planted direct or in the ground. We opt for container growing of Garlic, so we can spread them throughout the plot due to rodents not liking the smell of them!
Remember, plant the cloves only and don't peel them!
Where to plant
Position
Garlic prefers a warm, sunny spot with full sun for the spring and early summer.
Depth
We work on a 1" depth for Garlic, but typically if you work on planting them the depth of the bulb, so only the top is poking out slightly then you will be ok!
Soil
Go for fertile, well-drained soil. As a bulb it needs watering to allow the bulbs to form, but does not want to be water logged.
Problem solving
Watering
Garlic will need watering in dry spells during spring and summer to help with bulb growth, but make sure it's planted in well drained soil as if you overwater then there's a potential of fungal diseases.
Once the bulbs have formed you do not need to water anymore.
Pests
Birds and cats love to pull up garlic, so try and cover with fleece to deter these pests from pulling up your beloved crop.
Climate
Garlic needs full sun, so ensure that the bed is weed free to give it the best chances of success. When cloves are young they benefit from a frost, so getting them in in Autumn will benefit the growth of the plant. Most varieties need a few months below 10 degrees Celsius for bulb development; although not all varieties require this.
FAQs
Is it better to plant garlic in the ground or tubs?
What should I do with the flowers?
If garlic starts to bolt then snip off the flower stems to ensure that the garlic bulb itself gets the energy rather than the flower (unless you're saving seed! But as a rule you plant the clove not seed)
Bear in mind that the hardneck garlic that produced flower stalks has a use. The flower step and bud is called a garlic scape and can be harvested and eaten, similar to spring onion but garlic flavour; and is absolutely divine!
Can I plant store bought garlic?
From our experience, yes, but make sure they're locally grown and organic - some store bought garlic can be unsuitable for british climates, carry diseases or be covered in an anti-sprouting agent.
Does my garlic have to have green shoots to plant?
No! You can plant your garlic straight into the ground without shoots, it will grow.
What's the difference between garlic types?
There are three different types of garlic - hardneck, softneck and elephant.
Hardneck produces larger cloves, are stronger in flavour compared to softneck
However softneck stores for longer and produces less flower stalks.
Elephant garlic is mild in flavour but has larger cloves.
Harvesting
During the maturing process you can harvest the garlic scapes to eat and the green leaves. They are brilliant in salads or stir frys!
Garlic itself is harvested in the same manor as onions, when the leaves have yellowed you can harvest.
Tip: Bear in mind that garlic does not store well in the ground and will start to split, so is best to be harvested as soon as ready.
Garlic takes approximately 10 months to maturity, so if you plan in Autumn they will be ready late Summer.
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