Garlic Growing Guide
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many of your home-cooked meals, so why not start growing your own today? The flavoursome plant is one of the oldest horticultural crops with both Indian and Egyptian cultures using it around 5,000 years ago.
Introduction
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many home-cooked meals, so why not start growing your own today? One of the oldest horticultural crops, garlic has been used for over 5,000 years in Indian and Egyptian cultures. It grows easily in the UK and can be harvested for your kitchen.
Garlic cloves can be used in a variety of recipes and offer health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, restricting cancerous cell growth, and relieving osteoarthritis symptoms. Whether you're a garlic lover or want a fun new plant for your garden, follow these steps for a successful harvest.
When to plant garlic
Plant garlic anytime from October to March for a harvest between June and August. Lighter soil allows planting in late autumn or early winter, while heavier soil is better suited to early spring planting.
How to plant garlic
Buy bulbs from a reputable garden centre or online supplier (avoid supermarket garlic due to virus risk). Break bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery husks on. Plant in fertile soil in a warm, sunny spot, with the larger end 2.5cm below the surface, pointed end up, and space cloves 10–15cm apart in rows 30cm apart.
Caring for garlic while it grows
Garlic requires little care but needs:
- Regular watering during spring and early summer, reducing once leaves turn yellow.
- Weeding by hand to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
Potential issues and solutions:
- Birds: Cover the growing area with a cloche or netting.
- Onion white rot: Yellowing, wilting foliage may indicate fungus. Remove affected plants immediately.
- Leek rust: Orange spots on leaves indicate fungal infection. Water at soil level and remove affected crops.
When and how to harvest garlic
Garlic takes about nine months to grow. Harvest when leaves turn yellow (usually June–August), lifting bulbs gently with a fork or trowel. Dry for a few days in sunlight, then store in a cool, dry place or use immediately.
Advantages of growing garlic in a polytunnel
- Protects garlic from birds, pests, and disease.
- Provides weather control, maintaining consistent temperature and shielding from rain or snow.
- Shade reduces weed growth.
- Extends the growing season for a better harvest.
Find a polytunnel for your outdoor space today
Invest in a quality polytunnel to ensure a successful garlic crop. We offer a range of polytunnel sizes, cloches, replacement covers, and other accessories. For questions, contact us on 01282 811250, request a callback, or email us. Check our growers' blog for extra gardening tips.
