When to Plant Garlic in Northern Climates Such as Wisconsin

When to Plant Garlic

• In northern climates such as Wisconsin, garlic cloves should be planted four to six weeks before the ground freezes. Generally, cloves should be planted in late September or October, or within one to two weeks after the first frost.

Spring Planting

• Garlic planted in the spring generally will produce poorly developed shoots and bulbs. Cold treatment, or keeping the cloves between 25 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for two months, is important to contributing to bulb development.

Additional Planting Tips

• Well-dug beds, good drainage, full sun and incorporating organic matter into the soil will aid in garlic growth. The larger the clove planted, the larger the bulb that will develop from it. Avoid separating the cloves of a bulb until immediately before planting. Plant the cloves approximately 6 inches apart and cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Leave at least 12 inches between rows.