Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Garlic in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant cloves

September: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

October: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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12 Mar 19, Paul Riley (Australia - temperate climate)
Where is the best place to source shot garlic cloves in the Riverland and what kind grows best here?
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14 Mar 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do some internet research.
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07 Mar 19, Lucas (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The ones that work best in my region (Brisbane city) are Glen Large. These have been specifically bread to grow well in SE Qld and in the warmer regions. I plant them in raised beds, raised plastic planter boxes from bunnings $20 (about 40cm by 70cm). Keep the cloves in the fridge for about 2-3wks, start planting from late march and finish by early to mid April. Harvest around October.
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07 Mar 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
That is a great piece of advice - pity people don't read through the comments here on a particular plant before asking questions.
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18 Mar 19, veronica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
veronica, yes is great advice, thank you, have tried lots but all failed will give it a go next march. thanks so much
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25 Feb 19, Sharon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The easiest garlic to grow in the subtropics is Russian or elephant garlic. I find I get bigger cloves if I plant a little earlier late say lateApril/early may to give the plants a little more cold growing season Try and buy your seed garlic from a local grower for a locally adapter strain..
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28 Dec 18, Manyadza (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Im in South Africa living in Olifantsfontein i want to start planting garlic in my gardern is it better to 0lant now or wait for febraury? I also want to plant garlic in Ha - kutama Muduluni when can i start to plant as is very hot now .
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04 Dec 18, Bulton Naidoo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Live in Montagu western cape it's extremely cold here until end of August wen should I plant garlic
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02 Dec 18, Kia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Got some garlic cloves sprouting ready to plant in the garden. Summer here, scorching hot summer this year. Will the garlic be alright growing in the garden? I have shade cloth. Or is indoors better?
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02 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It does say plant May to July. You can try it under shade cloth if you like. Because it is not the right time to plant it may not grow very well. Research it on the internet.
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This is my first year of growing Garlic. The ground is nice and rich and the first little sprouts have started to poke out of the ground. However they are being attacked by birds. Any ideas on how to keep them away?

- Benjamin Petkov

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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