A Comprehensive Guide to Planting Garlic in the Fall for a Bountiful Harvest

GARLIC

As the warm days of summer give way to autumn, it's time to start thinking about the next year's harvests. Among the many treasures you can plant in the fall, garlic stands out as a versatile and rewarding crop. Planting garlic in the fall sets the stage for a robust harvest the following summer. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of planting garlic in the fall, from selecting the right bulbs to enjoying the fruits of your labor.

1. Selecting the Perfect Garlic Bulbs

The foundation of a successful garlic harvest begins with choosing the right bulbs. While tempting to just plant garlic from the grocery store, often it has been sprayed with a “do not sprout” treatment, and also you don’t know what sort of diseases could have been in that crop. I highly recommend instead buying high-quality garlic bulbs from reputable sources, local garden centers, or even the farmers market. Look for bulbs that are firm, plump, and free from signs of disease or damage. Generally, the larger the clove, the larger the bulb next season - so only save the largest of cloves to plant.

2. Timing is Key

Timing is crucial when it comes to planting garlic in the fall. Aim to plant your garlic bulbs about 2 to 4 weeks before the ground in your region freezes for the winter. This window allows the garlic to establish a healthy root system before the soil becomes too cold, while still preventing excessive shoot growth.

3. Dividing

A day or two before planting, gently separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves while keeping the papery outer skins intact. Doing this ahead of time allows any clove exposed to harden over and will reduce the amount of clove rot you have in the soil.

4. Preparing the Soil

Garlic thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Begin by preparing the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches, I use a broadfork for this task. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients for your garlic crop. A quick dusting of feather meal and azomite to add a slow release nitrogen fertilizer and also to restore the beds minerals - mix that into the top layer of your soil, lay your watering lines, and you are ready to plant.

4. Planting

Plant the cloves about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the cloves about 4 to 6 inches apart within rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing allows the garlic to grow without crowding, promoting healthy bulb development.

5. Embrace the Mulch

After planting, cover the garlic bed with a layer of mulch, such as straw or chopped leaves. Apply the mulch at a thickness of 4 to 6 inches to insulate the cloves and protect them from extreme temperatures. Mulching also helps suppress weed growth and conserves moisture, vital for successful overwintering.

6. Care through the Winter Months

As winter descends, your garlic cloves will establish their root systems. It's essential to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. The mulch layer will aid in moisture retention and prevent freeze-thaw cycles that can damage the developing roots.

7. Greeting Spring with Care

With the arrival of spring and the thawing of the ground, you'll begin to notice green shoots emerging through the mulch. Continue to monitor moisture levels and provide supplementary watering as needed. Adequate moisture during this period supports healthy foliage growth.

8. Fertilizing for Vigor

Around early spring, consider applying a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions. A gentle dose of nutrients will give your growing garlic plants a boost, helping them develop robust foliage and sturdy stems. I love to use either a compost tea made from stinging nettle or from rabbit manure. Keep the rows well weeded so your plants dont need to compete for space.

9. Eager Anticipation: The Harvest

The culmination of your efforts arrives in mid-summer as the lower leaves of your garlic plants start turning brown. This is the sign that your garlic bulbs are ready to be harvested. Gently dig up the bulbs, exercising caution not to damage them during the process.

10. The Art of Curing and Storage

After harvesting, do not wash the bulbs, or even bother with getting all of the dirt off, the bulbs are fragile at this point and it is better to wait to clean them up. Allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for a few weeks. Once they're thoroughly dried, you can cut off the roots (if you prefer) and brush off the left over dirt. Store your garlic in a cool, dry location with good air circulation.

Conclusion

Planting garlic in the fall is a journey that requires patience, attention to detail, and a touch of luck. As you watch the shoots emerge, tend to your plants through the seasons, and ultimately harvest your bountiful bulbs, you'll come to appreciate the cycles of growing garlic. Don’t forget to save the largest garlic bulbs for planting your next season of garlic! Happy planting!