How to Plant Garlic in Wisconsin

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a relative of the onion but differs in that it grows in a group of cloves, forming a larger bulb. Although garlic is most often grown in milder areas, varieties exist that grow well in Wisconsin's colder climate. Consider softneck cultivars like Inchelium Red or Polish White, or hardneck cultivars such as Chesnok Red or Siberian, recommends the publication "Growing Onions, Garlic, Leeks and Other Alliums in Wisconsin." Plant garlic indoors after April 15, outdoors in southern portions of the state, or two weeks later in northern areas. Garlic planted along the shore of the lower lake or in central Wisconsin should be planted around April 22.

Things You'll Need

• Soil pH test kit
• Lime, if needed
• Compost
• Tiller
• Spade
• Garlic bulbs

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prepare the soil for planting. Administer a soil pH test kit according to manufacturer directions. Garlic prefers soil pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.0, and if the number is below 5.8, lime is necessary to amend the pH. Add lime, if necessary, and then layer several inches of compost on the area and till to a depth of 6 inches.

   • 2

     Dig holes for the garlic cloves. Space the holes 6 inches apart, making them between 2 and 3 inches deep. Space rows at least 18 inches apart.

   • 3

     Break the garlic bulbs apart into cloves. Place one clove into each hole, with the pointed side up. Back-fill the soil to cover the planted cloves.

   • 4

     Water the newly planted garlic cloves until the soil surrounding them is moist. Do not oversaturate the soil.