Planting Garlic Tips
Dick’s Stinkin’ Good Garlic
Planting Garlic Tips
A simple, proven process for planting hardneck garlic—timing, soil prep, spacing, mulching, and spring care.
Choose the Right Variety
Hardneck types (Porcelain, Rocambole, Purple Stripe) thrive in cold climates and offer large, easy-to-peel cloves.
When to Plant
Plant in fall, about 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. In Northern Illinois (Zone 5–6), that’s typically mid-October to early November.
Late? You can still plant later with heavier mulch; spring planting works but usually produces smaller bulbs.
Soil Prep & Fertility
- Full sun and well-drained soil (garlic hates soggy feet).
- Loosen to 8–10" deep; mix in 2–3" compost or aged manure.
- Target pH: 6.5–7.0.
Planting Depth & Spacing
- Separate cloves just before planting; keep skins on.
- Plant pointy end up, 2–3" deep.
- Space 6" apart in rows 12–18" apart.
- Select largest cloves for biggest bulbs.
Mulch & Overwinter
Cover planted beds with 3–6" of clean straw or shredded leaves to insulate, prevent heaving, and suppress weeds.
Spring Care
- Lighten mulch as soil warms; leave a thin layer for weed control.
- Feed gently (compost, fish/kelp) and water consistently (about 1" per week).
Scapes, Harvest & Curing
- Scapes: Remove once they curl to push energy into bulbs (and enjoy them in the kitchen!).
- Harvest: When ~3–4 green leaves remain mid-summer.
- Cure: Dry 3–4 weeks in shade with airflow; store cool and dry.
Quick Checklist
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Soil prep | Before planting |
| Plant cloves | 4–6 weeks before freeze |
| Mulch 3–6" | Immediately after planting |
| Feed & water | Spring through early summer |
| Remove scapes | Early summer (at curl) |
| Harvest & cure | Mid-summer; then 3–4 weeks |
© Dick’s Stinkin’ Good Garlic • Northern Illinois