Fall Planting: Growing Hardneck Garlic in Cooler Climates 🧄🍁

🌾 Why Plant in Fall

Planting in mid-to-late October (up to early November) lets the cloves form roots before winter and gives them the cold period they need for big, flavorful bulbs next summer.

If you miss that window, don’t worry — you can still plant in late winter or early spring once the soil thaws, though bulbs may be smaller.

🌱 How to Plant

1️⃣ Break apart the bulbs just before planting, keeping the skins on.
2️⃣ Plant pointy-end up, about 2–3 inches deep and 6 inches apart in sunny, well-drained soil.
3️⃣ Add compost for extra nutrients.
4️⃣ Mulch with 3–6 inches of straw or shredded leaves to protect from frost.

That’s it — nature handles the rest over winter! 🌨️

🌷 Spring & Summer

Come spring, green shoots will pop through the mulch. Keep weeds down and water when dry.
You’ll harvest around July, once the lower leaves start to brown. Cure the bulbs in a dry, airy spot for a couple of weeks and store them for months of homegrown garlic goodness.

🌟 My Favorite Varieties

These all thrive in cooler climates and taste amazing:

• Music Garlic (Porcelain) – large, rich flavor → Buy Music Garlic
  
  

• Chesnok Red (Rocambole) – spicy & great for roasting → Buy Chesnok Red
  
  

• Hardneck Variety Mix – sampler for beginners → Shop Variety Pack
  
  

• Christopher Ranch Heirloom Garlic – dependable, flavorful bulbs → Shop Here
  
  

(Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting Will’s Garden! 💚)

💭 Final Thoughts

Planting garlic in fall is easy and satisfying — tuck your cloves in now, mulch well, and let them rest through winter. You’ll thank yourself next summer when you’re harvesting beautiful, flavorful bulbs!

Next Up: Winter Garden Prep ❄️ — getting your beds and perennials ready for an easier spring.

Happy planting!
Mary from Will’s Garden 🌸

🧄 Garlic Fun Facts – Just for You!

💡 1. Garlic can help repel garden pests like aphids and Japanese beetles — and maybe even vampires! 🧛‍♂️😉

💡 2. The world’s largest garlic bulb weighed over 2 pounds and was grown in Canada! 🇨🇦

💡 3. Garlic is part of the lily family — making it a cousin to onions, leeks, and even tulips. 🌷