When most people think of fall gardening, they picture pumpkins, mums, and autumn leaves – not garlic.
Yet, ask any seasoned gardener when the best time to plant garlic is, and the answer will almost always be the same: September.
Planting garlic in September may seem counterintuitive – after all, most crops are planted in spring. But garlic is different.
It thrives on being tucked into cool soil before winter, where it can quietly establish roots and get a head start for the following year.
By spring, while other gardeners are still sowing seeds, your garlic will already be growing strong.
Why September Is the Best Time to Plant Garlic
1. Garlic Needs a Cold Period to Thrive
Garlic (Allium sativum) requires a chilling period – called vernalization – to form large, plump bulbs. Planting in September allows the cloves to experience enough cold during winter, which triggers proper bulb development.
2. Root Development Before Winter
September soil is still warm enough for cloves to establish strong root systems before frost sets in. This root growth is crucial for supporting the plant during spring’s rapid leaf and bulb development.
3. Earlier and Bigger Harvests
Garlic planted in fall consistently produces larger bulbs and is ready to harvest earlier in summer compared to spring-planted garlic. September planting ensures you’ll beat the summer heat while enjoying healthier yields.
4. Less Competition From Weeds
Weeds germinate less aggressively in cooler months. By planting garlic in September, your cloves have fewer competitors for nutrients and sunlight.
5. Natural Pest & Disease Resistance
Cold-weather growth gives garlic a head start against pests like onion maggots, which are less active in fall and early spring.
Choosing the Right Garlic to Plant
Before you plant, it’s important to know which type of garlic works best for your garden.
Hardneck Garlic
- Ideal for northern climates with cold winters.
- Produces scapes (flower stalks) that can be harvested and eaten.
- Flavor: Bold and complex.
- Storage: Lasts 4–6 months.
Softneck Garlic
- Best for warmer climates with mild winters.
- Produces more cloves per bulb.
- Flavor: Mild to medium.
- Storage: Lasts up to 9–12 months.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, plant both varieties to see which thrives in your garden.
How to Plant Garlic in September: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Spot
- Select a location with full sun (6–8 hours daily).
- Garlic prefers loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
- Work compost or aged manure into the soil at least 6–8 inches deep.
- Garlic thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Test and adjust if needed.
- Avoid soil where onions or garlic have grown in the past 2 years to reduce disease risk.
Step 3: Break the Bulbs
- Just before planting, break garlic bulbs into individual cloves.
- Choose the largest, healthiest cloves for planting.
- Leave the papery skins intact.
Step 4: Plant the Cloves
- Plant each clove pointy side up about 2 inches deep.
- Space cloves 4–6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
Step 5: Water and Mulch
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or hay) to insulate cloves and suppress weeds.
Garlic Care Through the Seasons (Month-by-Month Guide)
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