Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Garlic is planted in autumn and harvested the following summer — it requires a cold period (vernalisation) of at least 40 days below 10°C to trigger bulb formation. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.0, amended with compost but low in nitrogen. Separate heads into individual cloves just before planting; choose the largest outer cloves for the best-sized harvest. Plant each clove pointed-end up, 5cm deep and 15–20cm apart in rows 30cm apart. Mulch with 8–10cm of straw immediately after planting to insulate over winter and suppress weeds. Water sparingly in autumn, not at all in winter, and regularly (2.5cm per week) in spring as leaves grow. Remove flower scapes (curling seed stalks) from hardneck varieties in early summer — this redirects energy to bulb growth and gives you the delicious garlic scape bonus ingredient. Stop watering completely 2–3 weeks before harvest to avoid skin disease. Feed with a nitrogen fertiliser in early spring when leaves emerge, then switch to phosphorus and potassium in late spring.