How to Plant & Grow Garlic in Oregon

Choose an area to plant your garlic that gets full to partial sunlight throughout the day and has well-drained soil. Test the pH of your soil using a soil testing kit purchased from a plant nursery. Garlic prefers to grow in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Soil types in Oregon vary, so you will need to amend before planting the garlic if your pH is inadequate.

Turn over the soil with a sturdy shovel or pitchfork, creating a fine soil medium. Add lime to the Oregon soil if the soil test reveals a pH below 6.5 or mix peat moss in with your soil if it is above 7.0. Add the required amendment following the instructions on the label.

Push the garlic cloves 1 to 2-inches into the soil, lengthwise. Garlic planting should commence during the early fall, in Oregon. Space each garlic clove 4 inches apart. If you will be planting several rows of garlic cloves, separate the rows 18 inches apart. Pat the soil lightly over the cloves to remove air pockets.

Water the garlic cloves generously after planting using a soaker hose. No further watering will be necessary in Oregon, until the cloves begin to sprout in the early spring. Garlic plants require at least 1 inch of water per week. Keep the soil moist, but not wet at all times. Check the soil before each watering. If the soil feels moist at a 1-inch depth, do not add more water.

Fertilize the garlic cloves after planting. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer according to label instructions. Harvest your Oregon grown garlic after the leaves of the plants turn brown. Hang the bulbs upside down in a cool, dry place for one week before use.