Here are 10 common mistakes made when growing garlic. Eliminating them will help you to grow your biggest garlic yet.

Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a popular and versatile plant that can be found in many kitchens around the world. Aside from its culinary uses, garlic boasts numerous health benefits and is mentioned across various cultural and traditional medicine practices. Growing big, healthy bulbs of garlic at home is an exciting endeavor that combines flavorsome results with the satisfaction of nurturing these powerful plants.

To successfully grow big garlic bulbs, it’s important to start with the right planting process, proper care, and soil conditions. Planting garlic cloves in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil that receives ample sunlight is crucial for cultivating large and flavorful bulbs. Also, selecting large, healthy cloves and planting them at the right time can significantly influence the bulb growth and overall quality of your garlic harvest.

Throughout the growing season, garlic requires consistent watering, weeding, and fertilizing, with particular attention paid to root development and crop protection. By understanding and implementing these key factors, gardeners and home-growers can reap the numerous benefits of harvesting their own large and tasty garlic bulbs.

Types of Garlic

Growing big garlic requires knowledge of the different garlic varieties that provide large, flavorful bulbs. This section will cover the three primary types of garlic: hardneck garlic, softneck garlic, and elephant garlic.

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic is best suited for colder climates, as it is very cold-tolerant. These varieties have a central stem called a scape, which is both edible and ornamental. Hardneck garlic tends to grow bigger and taller in the garden compared to others.

Advantages of Hardneck Garlic:

• Cold-tolerant, making them suitable for northern climates
• Produces large, flavorful bulbs
• Produces edible and beautiful scapes

Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic varieties are suitable for milder climates and do not require the cold dormancy period that hardneck garlic needs. These varieties have more cloves per bulb and do not produce a flowering stalk, making them more compact in the garden.

Advantages of Softneck Garlic:

• Suitable for warmer climates
• More cloves per bulb, leading to larger yields
• Easier to braid and store, as they have a softer neck compared to hardneck garlic

Elephant Garlic

Elephant garlic is, in fact, closer to a leek than true garlic. However, this plant is known for its massive, mild-flavored bulbs that can easily weigh up to one pound. Elephant garlic can be grown like other garlic varieties, but it may require additional planting space due to its large size.

Advantages of Elephant Garlic:

• Produces exceptionally large bulbs
• Milder flavor compared to other garlic varieties
• Tolerates a wider range of climates

By understanding these three primary types of garlic, you can choose the best variety for your specific climate and growing conditions, ultimately leading to larger, more flavorful garlic bulbs.

Choosing the Right Time to Plant

When it comes to growing big garlic, choosing the right time to plant is crucial. In general, there are two optimal planting periods: fall and spring.

Fall Planting

For many regions, planting garlic in the fall is the best approach. Garlic planted in the fall benefits from a dormancy period with colder weather—at least 40˚F (4°C)—that lasts 4 to 8 weeks. This chilling period helps garlic develop strong roots and results in larger bulbs. In areas that experience a hard frost, garlic cloves should be planted 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost date, before the ground freezes. For northern climates, September and October are ideal months for fall planting.

Spring Planting

In warmer climates, it is best to plant garlic in early spring. In this case, seed garlic must be chilled first to break it out of its dormant state. To do this, store the seed garlic cloves in a cool, dark place for several weeks before planting. Plant green garlic by tucking garlic cloves closely together in the garden in early spring, spacing them about two to three inches apart.

Overwintering

One advantage of fall planting is the overwintering process. When garlic is planted in the fall and allowed to experience a dormancy period, it becomes hardier and more resilient to harsh winter conditions. This process helps the garlic establish itself properly and increases its chances of producing large, high-quality bulbs come summer.

By considering the climate and timing, anyone can successfully grow big garlic in their garden. Whether planting in the fall or spring, it’s essential to maintain proper planting conditions and give the garlic ample time to grow and develop.

Preparing the Planting Site

When preparing the planting site for garlic, it’s essential to select a location that receives full sun, as garlic requires at least six hours of sunlight daily. A well-draining area is crucial for garlic growth, as boggy or heavy wet soils can cause cloves to rot or develop poorly.

Begin by loosening the soil, aiming for a depth of about 2 to 3 inches. Loamy soil, which has high organic matter content, is ideal for garlic growth. If your soil needs improvement, consider adding compost or other organic matter to boost nutrient levels and improve drainage.

To ensure proper soil drainage, create raised beds or work in organic matter like compost, aged manure, or leaf mold, helping to elevate the planting site and promoting adequate drainage. Adequate soil drainage prevents issues such as mold and rot that can lead to underdeveloped garlic cloves.

Garlic grows best in soil with a neutral pH, usually in the range of 6.0 to 7.0. Perform a pH test on the soil using a home test kit or by sending a soil sample to a local extension office. If needed, make necessary amendments to achieve the optimal pH level, such as adding dolomitic lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower the pH.

Before planting, work in a couple of tablespoons of a 5-10-10 complete fertilizer, bonemeal, or fish meal into the soil several inches below where the base of the garlic cloves will rest. This additional nutrition will promote strong root development and contribute to larger, healthier garlic bulbs. Lastly, give the planting site a thorough watering to help settle the soil and boost initial growth.

Remember to space the planting holes 4 to 6 inches apart, allowing ample room for bulbs to grow without interference from neighboring plants. Proper spacing also ensures adequate airflow, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

Planting Garlic Cloves

Planting garlic cloves begins with selecting high-quality seed garlic. Seed garlic is specifically grown for planting purposes and tends to produce larger, healthier garlic bulbs. When choosing cloves for planting, select the largest and healthiest-looking ones, as they have the potential to grow bigger bulbs.

To prepare the planting area, select a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. Garlic thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prior to planting, work organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.

Follow these steps when planting your garlic cloves:

1. Break apart the seed garlic into individual cloves just prior to planting, ensuring not to damage the basal plate. The basal plate is the part of the clove that connects to the bulb, and it’s vital for proper root development.
2. Dig holes in the ground, approximately 2-3 inches deep, and space them 4-6 inches apart. If planting in rows, space each row 6-12 inches apart. Closer spacing may result in smaller bulbs.
3. Plant the cloves with the wider root side facing down and the pointed end facing up. This ensures the garlic grows in the right direction.
4. Cover the cloves with soil and water the area deeply but infrequently, allowing the surface to dry out between waterings. This encourages the roots to grow deeper in search of water, instead of staying in the upper regions of the soil where temperatures are higher.
5. Weed the garlic beds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Once your garlic cloves are planted, expect them to begin growing in the spring and summer months. Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that may affect your garlic crop and address them as needed. With proper care and attention, you should enjoy a bountiful harvest of big, delicious garlic bulbs.

Caring for Growing Garlic

Watering

Garlic requires consistent moisture during its growing season but not too much that it becomes waterlogged. Water the plants when the soil is dry to an inch below the surface, maintaining even moisture throughout the growing season. Overwatering can cause bulbs to rot or decrease in size.

Fertilizing

To encourage strong growth, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the soil. Start by fertilizing when the plants are 4–6 inches tall and continue every 3–4 weeks. Compost and well-rotted chicken manure are excellent organic options for enriching the soil with nutrients.

Mulching

Mulching is essential for retaining moisture, regulating soil temperature, and suppressing weed growth. Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the garlic plants. In cold winter climates, apply the mulch after planting to insulate the ground and protect the cloves.

Managing Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are the curly, flower-bearing stalks that emerge from hardneck garlic varieties. Removing scapes allows the plant to focus energy on bulb development, resulting in larger bulbs. Cut scapes off when they begin to curl, and use them in salads, pesto, or as a garnish.

Weeding

Remove weeds regularly to minimize competition for nutrients and water. Hand-pull weeds close to garlic plants to avoid damaging the bulbs, and use a hoe or cultivator for more distant weeds. Frequent weeding will promote garlic growth and discourage pests.

Harvesting and Storing Garlic

Harvesting Garlic Bulbs

Harvesting garlic usually takes place in the middle of summer when the lower third of the leaves turns yellow. To determine if the bulbs are ready, check for differently colored leaves that have withered. When harvesting, carefully dig around the garlic bulb to loosen the soil, then gently pull it out without damaging the bulb.

When planting, cloves should be placed 4 to 8 inches apart in rows spaced 6 to 12 inches apart for the best results. A single 10-foot row should yield about 5 pounds of garlic bulbs, depending on the variety. The number of cloves per bulb varies depending on the garlic type.

Storing Fresh Garlic

After harvesting the garlic, let it cure in a dry, cool place with good air circulation for about two weeks. Once cured, the bulbs can be stored for months at a time. For optimal storage conditions, keep the garlic in a dark, cool place (32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit) with some air circulation. Braiding and hanging garlic is a good method of storage, but avoid hanging it in the kitchen where it will be exposed to light. Mesh bags are also suitable for storing garlic.

Green garlic, similar to scallions, can be stored by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and placing it in a ziplock bag before refrigerating. However, it has a shorter shelf life compared to cured garlic.

One tip to help grow big garlic is to water the seed garlic deeply but infrequently, allowing the surface to dry out between watering while keeping it moist several inches down. This encourages the roots to grow deeper to find water instead of staying in the upper regions of the soil where temperatures are higher. Additionally, adding organic matter such as blood meal to the soil can help provide essential nutrients for growing big garlic.

In conclusion, be sure to monitor the growing and harvesting conditions carefully, as well as using proper storage methods to make the most of your garlic crop.

Bonus Tips for Growing Big Garlic

To achieve sizeable garlic bulbs in your garden, follow these bonus tips:

1. Choose the right variety: Select hardneck garlic varieties known for producing larger bulbs, such as ‘Music’, ‘German Extra Hardy’, or ‘Spanish Roja’.
2. Start with large cloves: When planting, choose the largest cloves from each garlic bulb. Bigger cloves tend to produce larger bulbs.
3. Prepare the soil: Garlic thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure.
4. Proper spacing: Space your garlic cloves 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. This allows ample room for bulb growth and helps prevent competition for nutrients and water.
5. Feed your garlic: Apply an organic, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy bulb development.
6. Water wisely: Water your garlic deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings. This encourages deep root growth and helps prevent diseases.
7. Keep beds weed-free: Weeds compete with your garlic for nutrients and water, so be diligent about weeding your garlic beds. Mulch can help suppress weed growth.
8. Prevent pests: Use crop rotation, floating row covers, or organic pesticides to prevent pests like onion maggots or thrips from harming your garlic crop.
9. Harvest at the right time: Look for the lower leaves to turn brown and the upper leaves to stay green. This is the ideal time to harvest your garlic for maximum bulb size.

By implementing these bonus tips, you can improve your chances of growing large, healthy garlic bulbs in your vegetable garden.