Planting Garlic
Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil rich in organic matter and full sun when you receive your bulbs. Do not hold your bulbs until the next planting season.
Each bulb is made up of several sections called “cloves” held together by a thin, papery covering. Before planting break the cloves apart and plant each separately.
Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil where you did not plant garlic the previous year.
Work organic matter into your soil at least 6-8 inches deep, removing stones, then level and smooth.
Plant in rows 1-2 feet apart, 3-4 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Firm lightly and water gently.
Plant cloves with the pointed side up.
Spring planted garlic emerges in 14-21 days. Fall planted garlic may not emerge until spring.
If the garlic emerges in the fall and a heavy frost is expected, mulch tender greens for protection.
How to Grow Garlic
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.
Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Harvest and Preserving Tips
Harvest when the foliage begins to yellow. At this time bend back the tops to hasten yellowing and drying of the tops. Feel around the top of the bulb to make sure the cloves have formed.
Pull up the plants and allow them to dry in the sun for a few hours. Spread them out in a well-ventilated location until the tops are thoroughly dry, about 3-4 weeks.
Cut off the tops 1-2 inches above the bulbs, or braid the tops together for softneck varieties. Store loose bulbs in a dry, cool, airy place in baskets, or hang braided garlic strings.
Garlic may be frozen, make into vinegar, or made into garlic salt.
To plant in the desert refer to Planting Your Garden.