Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P P            

(Best months for growing Garlic in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant cloves
  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

19 Jul 13, Melissa Vipin (Australia - tropical climate)
Should I peel the garlic clove before I plant it? How constantly should it be watered?
21 Jul 13, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The cloves should be planted unpeeled - just split the head of garlic apart.
20 Jul 13, Andres (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Melissa, the answer is no, don't peel the garlic clove before planting, after breaking it off from the big clove just put it straight into your pot or garden, just remember to put its tip pointing up, it should be watered regularly, I usually water it at least every other day and is growing beautifully, hope this helps!
17 Jul 13, Tony Smith (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I live in Malalane, east of Nelspruit and would like to know the following. A lot of the soil here is very clay, is this ok for garlic and what type of soil is best for garlic? Is the climate here suitable for it and what would be the best times to plant? Regards Tony
02 Jul 13, Mehmet Kolgu (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi There which vegies likes the chicken poo ???
01 Jul 13, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Providing the right nutrients is vitally important in order to maximise plant growth and yield.
25 Jun 13, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to start garlic farming. I live in Cato Ridge. KZN. Where in or near this area can I get good quality garlic to plant. I live in a valley which gets quite cold during from julne onwards
28 Sep 13, Chantel Fourie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You can order online from Livingseeds.co.za
03 Nov 13, Shumani (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I have loose garlic cloves for sale. Where can I sell these?
02 Jun 13, Darren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You mentioned using the shoots,but how does that effect the bulb?
Showing 621 - 630 of 908 comments

It is a bit of trial and error. Have good draining soil. Little plants need little waterings more often, daily, big plants a lot more water less often, 2-3 times per week. General rule dig down into the soil 50-70mm to see how moist the soil is. You will quickly learn that say a crop of lettuce might need 60 sec of watering. Whereas some mature tomatoes plants need 2-3 minutes.

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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