Garlic is one of the most useful ingredients you can grow.
If you’re building a kitchen garden, it’s an easy place to start. It doesn’t take much space, it stores well, and it shows up in everyday cooking more than almost anything else.
This guide covers how to grow garlic, the different types, how to store it, and how to use it once it’s in your kitchen.
The information I share below allowed me to be featured in the article Gardening Know How: Martha Stewart Garlic Planting.
Quick Answer: How to Grow Garlic
Garlic is planted in the fall, about 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost. Separate the cloves and plant them pointed side up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in well-draining soil.
Water consistently in spring, reduce watering as it matures, and harvest when the lower leaves begin to yellow.
When to Plant Garlic
Garlic is typically planted in the fall.
In most climates, that means:
- Around October to early November
- About 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes
This gives the garlic time to establish roots before winter, leading to stronger growth in spring.
For reference, I garden in zone 7A and usually plant around Halloween and harvest around early July.
How to Grow Garlic
Garlic is straightforward once you understand the basics.
Planting
- Break apart bulbs into individual cloves
- Plant with the pointed end facing up
- Space about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep
Soil
- Well-draining soil is key
- Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5
- Mix in compost or organic matter before planting
Watering
- Keep soil evenly moist in spring
- Reduce watering as bulbs mature to prevent rot
When to Harvest Garlic
Knowing when to harvest makes a big difference.
- Look for yellowing leaves, starting from the bottom
- For most varieties, when the bottom 3–4 leaves turn yellow, it’s ready
Softneck Garlic
- Plants may start to lean or fall over
- Harvest when lower leaves are yellow
Hardneck Garlic
- Produces scapes (flower stalks)
- Remove scapes to encourage bulb growth
- Harvest about 2–4 weeks after removing scapes
After harvesting:
- Let bulbs cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated space for a few weeks before storing
- Once your garlic is cured, use it in this Kale with Garlic and Oil base recipe for a simple, garden-fresh side.
Types of Garlic
Not all garlic is the same. Choosing the right type depends on your climate and how you plan to use it.
Softneck Garlic
Softneck is the most common type found in grocery stores.
- More cloves per bulb
- Smaller cloves
- Longer shelf life
- Best for warmer climates
Popular varieties:
- California Early
- Italian Late
- Silverskin
- Sicilian Artichoke (my favorite)
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic has a stronger, more complex flavor.
- Fewer cloves, but larger
- Produces scapes (great for cooking)
- Better for colder climates
Popular varieties:
- Rocambole
- Porcelain
- Purple Stripe
Elephant Garlic
Elephant garlic is not a true garlic—it’s part of the leek family.
- Much larger bulbs
- Milder flavor
- Good for recipes where you want a softer garlic taste
Softneck vs Hardneck Garlic
| Type | Best Climate | Flavor | Clove Size | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softneck | Warm | Mild | Smaller | Long |
| Hardneck | Cold | Strong | Larger | Shorter |
How to Store Garlic
Proper storage helps your garlic last longer and keeps the flavor intact.
Whole Bulbs
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place
- Use a basket, mesh bag, or open shelf
- Avoid sealed containers
Individual Cloves
- Store in the refrigerator
- Use within about 10 days
How to Use Garlic in Cooking
Garlic is a base ingredient in a lot of simple meals.
The way you cut it changes the flavor:
- Thin slices → milder, slightly sweet
- Minced → stronger, more pronounced
- Whole cloves → mellow and soft when cooked
After spending months growing garlic, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to prepare it properly.
Skip the garlic press. Slicing or mincing gives you better control over flavor and texture.
Cook What You Grow
Garlic fits into almost everything.
Start simple:
- Add it to sautéed vegetables
- Use it as the base for sauces
- Cook it into one-pan meals
Try it here:
From Garden to Kitchen
Garlic is one of the easiest ways to connect your garden to your cooking.
Once it’s harvested and cured, it becomes part of your everyday routine—added to quick meals, layered into sauces, or used to build flavor from the start.
It’s a small crop that goes a long way.
How to Grow Garlic – The Bottom Line
If you’re deciding whether to grow garlic, it’s worth it.
It’s low-maintenance, stores well, and shows up in meals you’re already making. Start with a variety that fits your climate, keep the process simple, and build from there.
🌱 Invent Your Garden (Keep It Flexible)
You don’t need to grow every type of garlic.
Adjust based on what works for you:
- Choose softneck for longer storage
- Try hardneck for stronger flavor and scapes
- Grow elephant garlic if you prefer a milder taste
Start with one variety and expand as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does garlic take to grow?
Garlic typically takes about 8–9 months from planting to harvest.
Can you grow garlic from store-bought cloves?
Yes, but seed garlic from a reputable source usually produces better results.
What is the difference between softneck and hardneck garlic?
Softneck garlic grows better in warm climates and stores longer, while hardneck garlic has larger cloves and a stronger flavor.
When should you harvest garlic?
Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow, usually in late spring or early summer depending on your climate. In Maryland (Zone 7A), I harvest in late June
This is a very informative article. I’m going to give garlic a try in my garden!