Garlic is one of the most rewarding plants to grow in your garden, whether you have a small raised bed or a larger plot. Not only does it taste fantastic in your home-cooked meals, but it’s also incredibly easy to grow! With just a little bit of patience, you can harvest your very own garlic crop in the summer. So, let’s dive in and learn how you can get started with growing garlic.

1. When to Plant Garlic
The key to a successful garlic harvest is timing. You’ll want to plant your garlic in the autumn, ideally around October or November. However, January is the last chance to plant garlic that you’ll be able to harvest in 2025, so if you haven’t planted it yet, don’t worry, there’s still time!

Garlic needs a period of cold weather (known as vernalisation) to produce the big, plump bulbs we all love. This cold period helps the garlic to develop roots before the warm weather of spring kicks in.

2. Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Both have their advantages, but let’s go over the basics to help you choose the right one for your garden.

Hardneck Garlic:

• Best for colder climates.
• Produces larger cloves with a stronger flavour.
• Hardneck varieties like Rocambole and Purple Stripe are perfect for late planting.

Softneck Garlic:

• Ideal for milder climates and grows well in the UK.
• Has a milder flavour and stores longer.
• Varieties like Solent Wight and Germidour are excellent choices for late planting.

3. Preparing the Soil

Garlic loves well-drained, fertile soil. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your garlic gets off to the best start:

• Loosen the Soil: Garlic roots need space to spread, so make sure the soil is loose. Use a garden fork to loosen the top 6 inches of soil.
• Add Organic Matter: Garlic thrives in nutrient-rich soil, so mix in some well-rotted compost or organic matter to improve soil structure.
• pH Level: Garlic prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH of around 6.0–7.0. You can test your soil with a simple kit from your local garden centre.

4. Planting Garlic

Now that your soil is ready, it’s time to plant your garlic cloves. Here’s how to do it:

• Break the Bulbs Into Cloves:Carefully separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, leaving the skins intact. Don’t peel them!
• Planting Depth: Plant each clove about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
• Spacing: Space your garlic cloves about 6 inches apart in rows, allowing the plants plenty of room to grow.

5. Watering and Care

Garlic is quite low-maintenance once it’s planted, but it does need a little attention throughout the growing season:

• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Garlic doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so make sure your raised beds or garden have good drainage.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw, to keep the soil moist, protect the cloves from the cold, and prevent weeds from sprouting.

6. Dealing with Pests and Diseases

While garlic is relatively pest-free, there are a few things to keep an eye on:

• Weeds: Keep the bed weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Rust or Blight: These are rare but can affect garlic if the weather has been very wet. If you notice yellowing leaves or spots, remove any affected plants immediately.

7. Harvesting Your Garlic

After months of watching your garlic grow, it’s finally time to harvest. Here’s how to tell when your garlic is ready:

• Timing: Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid-summer (July or August). The leaves will start to yellow and die back, and the bulbs will have formed beneath the surface.
• Harvesting Method: Gently lift the garlic bulbs out of the soil using a fork or spade, being careful not to damage them.
• Drying: Once harvested, lay the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place to cure for a few weeks. This helps to toughen the skins and extend storage life.

8. Storing Your Garlic

Once your garlic is dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place. Hang it in bundles or place it in a mesh bag to allow airflow. Softneck garlic stores longer than hardneck garlic, so if you planted a softneck variety, you can expect it to last well into the winter months.

Tips for Success:

• Patience: Garlic grows slowly, but it’s a joy to harvest after months of care.
• Succession Planting: To ensure you have a continual supply, consider planting new garlic each autumn.
• Variety Matters: Choose a variety suited to your local climate for the best results.

In Conclusion

Growing garlic is a rewarding experience, and with these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying homegrown garlic in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, garlic is a low-maintenance crop that gives back in abundance. So, don’t wait – get planting today and enjoy the fruits (or cloves!) of your labour next summer.

Have you tried growing garlic before? Let me know in the comments or share your experiences with us on Instagram @thekitchengreenhouse. If you’re new to growing garlic, I’d love to see your progress – tag us in your gardening journey!