Good Places to Grow Garlic

Full Sun

• Garlic prefers six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day for optimal growth, but sun exposure does not need to be consecutive. A few hours of morning light followed by midday shade and then several hours of afternoon sun works well.

Well-Drained Soil

• Well-drained soil that is slightly dry provides the best environment for garlic bulbs. This is especially important in northern climates where garlic is planted in the fall and allowed to overwinter. Avoid areas that remain soggy in the spring, as the bulbs may rot in the soil.

Soil pH and Fertility

• Garlic thrives in soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Amend the soil with organic matter and adjust the pH to the desired range before planting garlic. Starter fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, should be applied at this time to give garlic a good start. Additional applications of water-soluble fertilizer in the spring provide the nutrients garlic needs to thrive.

Raised Beds

• Raised beds provide an ideal environment for growing garlic, as soil is typically loose and fertile and drains well after watering. However, garlic should not be planted in beds where onions have been planted in the past three years. Loosening the soil prior to planting creates the conditions needed for good bulb formation.