To plant garlic successfully, follow these steps:
- Timing : Plant garlic in late autumn or early winter to allow the cloves a cold period (0–10°C or 32–50°F) for bulb development. Some varieties can be planted in early spring if your soil is heavy or wet
- Prepare the soil : Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Remove weeds and dig in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil nutrition and drainage. For heavy clay soil, add coarse sand or consider planting in containers
- Separate cloves : Carefully break apart garlic bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact
- Planting depth and orientation : Plant each clove with the flat (root) end down and the pointed tip upwards. Place cloves about 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 2 inches) deep in the soil. In light soil, deeper planting can encourage larger bulbs, but avoid deep planting in heavy soil
- Spacing : Space cloves about 15 cm (6 inches) apart within rows, and rows about 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Some gardeners plant cloves 4 to 6 inches apart, adjusting spacing based on companion planting and garden space
- Cover and protect : After planting, cover the cloves with soil and gently water to settle the soil. In areas with birds or pests, cover the planting area with horticultural fleece or bird netting until the plants are well rooted
- Optional module planting : If soil is heavy or wet, start cloves in modules (small pots) in a cold frame in autumn, then transplant outdoors in spring when soil conditions improve
- Mulching and watering : Mulch with leaves or straw to protect cloves over winter and retain moisture. Keep soil evenly moist until ground freezes, then water occasionally in spring if dry
By following these guidelines, you can grow healthy garlic bulbs ready for harvest the following summer
