An Open Brooke

Late fall is the time to plant garlic in zone 7!

How We Plant Garlic Organically: A Simple Guide

Planting garlic is one of the most satisfying garden tasks. It’s low-maintenance, hardy, and yields delicious results. Whether you’re a gardening newbie or a seasoned green thumb, this step-by-step guide will help you grow garlic organically in your backyard or even in pots.

1. Choose the Right Garlic

Not all garlic is created equal! Look for organic, untreated seed garlic at a local nursery or online. We got ours at Roswell Seed. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting, which can interfere with growing. You’ll typically find two types:

• Softneck garlic (great for mild climates and long storage).

• Hardneck garlic (perfect for colder climates with amazing flavor-we prefer hardneck)

2. Pick the Perfect Spot

Garlic loves the sun. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. The soil should be well-draining—garlic doesn’t like wet feet!

3. Prep the Soil

Healthy soil equals healthy garlic. Here’s how to get it ready:

• Loosen the soil to about 8 inches deep.

• Mix in aged compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients. Garlic thrives in rich, crumbly soil.

• Check the pH. Garlic prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0).

4. Break Apart the Bulbs

Just before planting, gently separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Don’t remove the papery skin—it’s like their natural armor.

5. Plant the Cloves

• Plant each clove pointy side up/root side down about 2 inches deep.

• Space them 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 10-12 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow.

6. Mulch Generously

Cover your garlic bed with a thick layer of organic mulch—straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings work well. Mulch helps insulate the cloves, retain moisture, and prevent weeds.

7. Water Wisely

Garlic needs consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Water deeply after planting, then aim to keep the soil slightly damp (like a wrung-out sponge). Reduce watering once the tops start to yellow in late spring.

8. Patience and Care

Garlic is a slow grower—it’ll be ready in mid to late June! During this time:

• Pull weeds regularly; they compete for nutrients.

• Feed with organic fertilizer or compost tea every few months for a nutrient boost. Watch for garlic scapes to form and harvest the scapes before bulb harvest to promote bulb growth.

9. Harvest Time

You’ll know it’s ready when the lower leaves turn brown but the top leaves are still green (usually midsummer). Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs—don’t yank!

10. Cure for Long-Lasting Garlic

After harvesting, let the garlic dry in a cool, airy place for 2-3 weeks. Once the skins are papery, trim the roots and tops. Store your garlic in a cool, dry spot to enjoy for months.

Growing garlic organically is simple and rewarding—it’s the garden gift that keeps on giving. Plus, there’s nothing better than cooking with garlic you grew yourself. Get planting and enjoy the magic of homegrown flavor!