How to Grow Garlic

Homegrown garlic has far more flavour than shop-bought bulbs. It is easy to grow and takes up little space.

Types of garlic

• Softneck: The type usually sold in supermarkets. Stores well, milder flavour. Plant in spring or autumn.
• Hardneck: Stronger flavour, produces edible flower stalks (scapes). Needs a cold period, so plant in autumn.
• Elephant garlic: Actually a leek relative. Huge cloves with mild flavour.

When to plant

• Autumn (October-November): Best for most varieties. The cold period triggers bulb formation.
• Spring (February-March): Possible for softneck varieties, but bulbs may be smaller.

Where to plant

• Full sun.
• Well-drained soil – garlic rots in waterlogged ground.
• Avoid ground where onions or garlic grew in the last two years.
• Works well in raised beds and containers.

Planting

• Buy garlic bulbs from a garden centre or seed supplier – supermarket garlic may carry disease or be unsuited to UK conditions.
• Split the bulb into individual cloves.
• Plant each clove pointed end up, 2-3cm deep.
• Space cloves 10-15cm apart in rows 30cm apart.
• Water in if the soil is dry.

Care

• Keep weed-free – garlic does not compete well.
• Water in dry spells, but do not overwater.
• Stop watering once the leaves start to yellow.
• Remove flower stalks (scapes) on hardneck varieties to direct energy into the bulb.

Harvesting

• Harvest when the lower leaves have turned yellow but some green remains (usually June-July).
• Lift carefully with a fork – do not pull or you may damage the bulb.
• Dry in a warm, airy place for 2-3 weeks.
• Once dry, brush off soil and trim roots.

Storing

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
• Softneck varieties can be plaited for storage.
• Hardneck varieties do not store as long – use within 4-6 months.
• Save the best bulbs for replanting next year.

Problems

• Rust: Orange spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves. Avoid in future by improving air circulation.
• White rot: Serious fungal disease. Destroy affected plants and do not grow alliums in that spot for many years.
• Small bulbs: Usually caused by planting too late, poor soil, or competition from weeds.