1. When is the best time to plant garlic in the Pacific Northwest?
Plant garlic in fall, usually from late September through November. This gives the cloves time to develop roots before winter and produces larger bulbs the following summer.
2. Can garlic be planted in spring?
Yes, but spring-planted garlic usually produces smaller bulbs. Plant it as early as possible once the soil can be worked.
3. What is the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
Hardneck garlic produces a stiff central flower stalk called a scape. It usually has fewer, larger cloves and performs very well in cool Pacific Northwest winters. Softneck garlic does not normally produce a scape, has more smaller cloves and generally stores longer.
4. Which type of garlic is best for the Pacific Northwest?
Both types can grow successfully. Hardneck varieties are especially well suited to cooler inland and northern areas, while softneck varieties often perform well in milder coastal gardens. Many gardeners grow both for variety and an extended storage season.
5. Where should garlic be planted?
Choose a location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Garlic grows best in open, sunny beds with good air circulation.
6. What type of soil does garlic need?
Garlic prefers loose, fertile and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Heavy or waterlogged soil can cause cloves to rot, especially during wet Pacific Northwest winters.
7. How should I prepare the soil before planting?
Loosen the soil and mix in finished compost or well-aged manure. Raised beds can improve drainage in areas with heavy clay or high winter rainfall.
8. How deep should garlic cloves be planted?
Plant each clove with the pointed end facing upward, approximately 2 to 3 in deep. In colder areas, planting slightly deeper can provide additional winter protection.
9. How far apart should garlic cloves be spaced?
Space cloves approximately 5 to 6 in apart, with rows 10 to 12 in apart. Adequate spacing allows each plant to develop a larger bulb.
10. Should garlic be mulched?
Yes. Apply 2 to 4 in of clean straw, shredded leaves or another loose organic mulch after planting. Mulch reduces weeds, protects the cloves from temperature fluctuations and helps prevent soil compaction from winter rain.
11. How often should garlic be watered?
Garlic needs consistent moisture during active growth in spring. Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry, but avoid keeping the soil constantly saturated. Reduce watering as the plants approach harvest.
12. Does garlic need fertilizer?
Garlic benefits from a balanced vegetable fertilizer or a fertilizer slightly higher in nitrogen when growth begins in spring. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications late in the season because they may encourage leaves at the expense of bulb development.
13. What are garlic scapes and should they be removed?
Scapes are the curling flower stalks produced by hardneck garlic. Remove them while they are young and tender so the plant can direct more energy into the bulb. Scapes are edible and have a mild garlic flavour.
14. When is garlic ready to harvest?
Garlic is usually harvested from late June through August, depending on the variety and location. Harvest when several lower leaves have turned brown but the upper leaves are still green.
15. How should garlic be cured and stored?
Gently lift the bulbs without removing the leaves or roots. Cure them in a dry, shaded and well-ventilated area for approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Once the outer skins are dry, trim the roots and tops. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, but do not refrigerate them in sealed plastic bags.
Art's Tip
Plant only healthy, firm seed garlic from a reliable source. Avoid planting grocery-store garlic because it may be treated to prevent sprouting or may not be well suited to Pacific Northwest growing conditions.