Growing Garlic: The Ultimate Guide

Garlic is a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that can elevate any savoury meal whipped up in the kitchen, whilst also providing health benefits. October to February may be a quiet time for most in the garden, but it’s the perfect time to get outside and plant some garlic. This guide will walk you through every stage of growing garlic from soil preparation to storage. 

    Skip to:

1. 1. Choosing the right garlic
2. 2. Prepping the soil
3. 3. Planting garlic
4. 4. Feeds and watering
5. 5. Controlling pests and disease
6. 6. Harvesting
7. 7. Companion planting

Prepping the soil

Garlic needs loose, well-draining soil in order to thrive. Here’s how to prepare the perfect garlic bed:

Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Organic Matter: Add well-rotted compost or aged manure to enrich the soil and improve its structure.

Drainage: Garlic plants thrive in sunny locations with good drainage. When enriching the soil with organic matter, ensure the growing medium is free-draining to avoid waterlogging. Alternatively, increase aeration and drainage with Activearth.

Tilling: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30cm to ensure the garlic roots can grow freely.

If you live in a mild climate, soil preparation is relatively straightforward. However, in colder regions, take precautions to protect your garlic plants as they develop slowly through the chilly season. Options like plant blankets or straw beds can help insulate them effectively.

When to plant:

In colder climates, plant in autumn, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. If you live in milder climates, plant in autumn or late winter/ early spring. 

4. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to insulate the soil and suppress weeds during winter. Remove when the weather starts to warm up.

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Controlling Pests and Diseases

Allium leaf miner: These are tiny pests that burrow into garlic stems and bulbs, which causes damage. Keep them out by covering your garlic in a fine mess and rotating crops each year. 

Rust: Rust shows up as orange spots on leaves and can stunt growth. Avoid overcrowding, water at the base (not the leaves) and remove infected parts quickly.

Grey Mould: This is a fuzzy grey fungus that thrives in damp conditions. Providing good drainage, and airflow and removing affected leaves early can prevent it.

Read our ultimate gardener’s guide to common plant diseases for more on pests and diseases. 

Harvesting Garlic

When to Harvest

Harvest garlic when the stems start to flop and the lower leaves start to brown. This typically happens in mid-summer. Hardneck varieties grow scapes that can be harvested and used in cooking. By removing the scapes, you encourage larger bulbs.

How to Harvest 

Loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork or trowel. Gently lift the bulb from the ground, avoiding pulling directly on the stem. Lastly, brush off the excess soil, do not wash the bulbs.