If you’re looking to maximize your garlic harvest, the secret lies in when you plant it! Sowing garlic in both autumn and spring can double your yield, resulting in larger, healthier garlic heads. By planting at these strategic times, you’ll enjoy a continuous supply of delicious, homegrown garlic. Here’s how to do it.

Why Sow in Both Autumn and Spring?

Garlic is a versatile crop that benefits from cool weather. By planting garlic in both the autumn and spring seasons, you take advantage of different growing conditions that promote larger bulb development and faster growth. This double planting method allows the garlic to establish itself during the colder months and thrive as the weather warms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic

1. Choose the Right Garlic Variety

Select a garlic variety that suits your climate. Hardneck garlic varieties are best for colder climates and are ideal for autumn planting, while softneck garlic varieties thrive in milder regions and can be planted in spring.

2. Prepare the Soil

Garlic needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Loosen the soil to about 8 inches deep and mix in compost or aged manure to provide essential nutrients. Garlic thrives in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

3. Autumn Planting (Late September to Early November)

• Plant before the first frost: In autumn, plant garlic 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the garlic time to establish roots but not enough time for the tops to grow.

• Plant cloves: Break apart the garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Plant each clove pointy side up, about 2 inches deep, and space them 6-8 inches apart.

• Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch (such as straw or leaves) to protect the cloves from the cold and help retain moisture.

4. Spring Planting (March to April)

• Plant in early spring: As soon as the soil is workable, plant garlic in the same manner as you did in autumn.

• Keep the soil moist: Garlic needs consistent moisture to develop large heads, especially during the growing season.

5. Care and Maintenance

• Water regularly: Garlic needs consistent watering, especially in the spring and early summer as the bulbs grow.

• Fertilize: Use an organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, like blood meal or fish emulsion, every few weeks to encourage healthy growth.

• Remove scapes: In late spring or early summer, hardneck garlic will produce a flower stalk called a “scape.” Remove the scapes to focus the plant’s energy on bulb growth.

6. Harvesting Garlic

• Autumn-planted garlic: Harvest in early summer (around July or August) when the lower leaves turn yellow.

• Spring-planted garlic: Harvest in late summer (August or September) when the tops begin to brown and die back.

Enjoy a Larger Garlic Harvest!

By planting garlic in both autumn and spring, you’ll maximize your yield and enjoy large, flavorful garlic heads. This simple technique ensures a bountiful harvest and keeps your garlic supply steady year-round. Happy planting!