Growing Garlic: Plant in Autumn, Harvest in Summer

Priya Hollis · Oct 11, 2026 · 4 min read

Quick answer

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow and needs almost no attention once planted. The key is timing.

Garlic is planted as individual cloves, and each clove grows into a full bulb. Most varieties need a period of cold to divide properly, which is why autumn planting usually produces the best results.

It takes months to mature, but in that time it needs little more than weeding and the occasional watering.

Choose your garlic Planting Care Harvest and curing

1 Choose your garlic

Buy seed garlic from a garden supplier rather than planting supermarket bulbs, which may carry disease or be suited to a different climate.

✓Hardneck varieties produce a flower stalk called a scape, which is edible, and often have stronger flavour
✓Softneck varieties tend to store longer and are the type used for braiding

2 Planting

✓Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil
✓Split the bulb into cloves just before planting, keeping the papery skins on
✓Plant cloves pointed end up, about 2.5 to 5 cm deep and 15 cm apart
✓In containers, use a pot at least 20 cm deep

3 Care

Keep the bed weed-free, as garlic competes poorly. Water during dry spells in spring, then stop watering as the leaves begin to yellow. Snap off scapes on hardneck types so the plant puts energy into the bulb.

4 Harvest and curing

Lift bulbs when around a third to half of the leaves have turned brown. Loosen the soil with a fork rather than pulling. Dry them in a warm, airy, shaded spot for a few weeks before storing.

This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.

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