Grow Your Own Garlic

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There’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own garlic—from the first green shoots to the moment you pull a full, fragrant bulb from the earth. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just getting your boots muddy, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow garlic successfully at home.

Why Grow Garlic?

Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a powerhouse in the garden too. It’s easy to grow, helps deter pests naturally, and stores well through the winter. Not to mention, homegrown garlic tastes better than anything you’ll find at the store.

Freshly harvested garlic from our garden this season!

What You Need to Get Started

Before you plant, gather your tools and supplies. Here’s a quick list of essentials you can grab on Amazon:

Garlic seed bulbs (make sure they're specifically for planting – not store-bought garlic):

Buy organic garlic bulbs on Amazon. Check out this option: https://amzn.to/4mr75al

Compost or organic fertilizer: https://amzn.to/47jDE5Q

Raised bed(s) we love using these! Super easy to assemble: https://amzn.to/3J2SOT0

Gardening gloves, hand trowel, other assorted tools: https://amzn.to/4fpePHL

When to Plant Garlic

Fall is best for planting garlic, usually 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the bulbs time to set roots and go dormant during winter, then burst to life in spring.

Best Planting Time: Late September to early November (depending on your region).

Planting the Garlic

Space each garlic clove 4–6 inches apart for healthy bulbs.

1. Choose a Sunny Spot

Garlic loves full sun and well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider using a raised bed.

2. Break Apart the Bulbs

Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves. Don’t remove the papery skin.

3. Plant Pointy-End Up

Place each clove 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up, and space them about 4–6 inches apart.

4. Mulch Generously

Cover your garlic bed with straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings to insulate and suppress weeds.

5. Water Lightly

Water just enough to settle the soil. Overwatering early on can cause rot.

Caring for Your Garlic

Water: Once shoots appear in spring, water about 1" per week.

Fertilize: Side-dress with compost or an organic fertilizer in early spring.

Weed: Keep the bed weed-free to reduce competition.

Tip: Don’t pull off garlic scapes (those curly green tops) until they’re fully developed—they’re edible and delicious!

Delicious Garlic Scapes!

When to Harvest Garlic

Harvest garlic in mid to late summer, when the bottom leaves turn brown but the top leaves are still green (usually 3–4 green leaves remaining).

Gently loosen the soil with a fork and pull the bulbs out carefully. Let them cure (dry) in a warm, shady, well-ventilated area for 2–4 weeks.

We use a rack in our sunroom, but you can check out this hanging rack out! https://amzn.to/3J41h8o

Storing Garlic

Once dried, trim off roots and stalks. Store bulbs in a cool, dry place—a mesh bag or basket works well. Properly stored garlic can last 6 months or more.

Check out these mesh storage bags from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fqtqCR

Bonus! Replant Year After Year

The beauty of growing garlic is that it’s self-sustaining. Just save a few of your biggest, healthiest bulbs and plant the cloves again in fall.

Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops for a homesteader, whether you’re on a few acres or working with a backyard garden. With just a little time and planning, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown garlic in everything from soups to sauces.