growing garlic
Garlic Growing Basics & Seed Stock Quality
Nearly all garlic is grown from cloves. When planted in the fall, garlic cloves develop into full bulbs by the following summer. Spring-planted garlic may produce slightly smaller bulbs, but they offer the same excellent flavor. Interestingly, smaller bulbs often have a longer storage life than larger ones.
Using certified seed stock is essential for healthy garlic production. Supermarket garlic should be avoided for planting, as it is often treated with bleach, radiation, or growth inhibitors to prevent sprouting and may have been stored in conditions unsuitable for growing.
Equally important is the health of the planting stock. Diseases such as white rot can persist in the soil for up to 30 years and devastate future crops. At Garlic Gods, our farm is located in an allium quarantine zone, where our garlic is annually inspected and certified white rot-free.
Learn more about white rot and garlic health on our blog, available on the Resources page of our website.
Planning Your Seed Garlic Order – A Guide for Garden Growers
When placing your seed garlic order, here are a few helpful tips to consider:
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On average, you can expect to harvest 4 to 12 times the amount of garlic you plant.
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For culinary use, 1 to 5 pounds of seed garlic typically yields enough garlic for a family of four for one year.
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Storage Tip: Use varieties with shorter shelf lives first.
Properly cured garlic can store well:
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Hardneck varieties: 4–7 months
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Softneck varieties: 6–12 months
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Each variety description includes a typical storage life, which may vary depending on how well the garlic is cured and stored.
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Available Sizes: Garlic Gods offers multiple seed pack sizes: ¼ lb, ½ lb, and 1 lb options.
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Bulbs range from 1.75" to 3" in diameter
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The largest bulbs are reserved for the earliest orders (first come, first served)
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A pound of garlic may contain 4–12 bulbs, depending on size and variety
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Planting Tip: Larger cloves tend to produce larger bulbs, although results can vary depending on soil quality, weather, and growing conditions. If you have limited garden space, we recommend planting the largest cloves and using smaller ones in the kitchen. To store extra cloves for future culinary use, place them in the freezer to prevent drying out.
While we want every grower to succeed, please note that garlic performance will vary due to factors within your personal enviroment: such as soil conditions, climate, watering practices, sun exposure, and timing of planting.
Have questions? We're happy to help! Contact us anytime for guidance and support.
 Seed StorageHow to store your garlic prior to planting |  Soil PreparationDo you need to amend your soil? |  Planting GarlicSuggested spacing |
|---|---|---|
 MulchWhen to add mulch |  WeedingAre weeds a problem in your garden? |  WateringWhen to water garlic |
storing garlic seed
You’ll probably receive your garlic seed before it’s time to plant. To keep it fresh:
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Store it in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air flow
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Keep it in mesh bags, and hang them if possible — garlic needs to breathe
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Do not store garlic in plastic or airtight containers
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Do not break the bulbs into individual cloves until you're ready to plant — they can dry out quickly
Soil preparation
Garlic loves loose, healthy soil to grow big bulbs:
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Work the soil at least 18 inches deep (go deeper if the soil is heavy or clay-like)
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Mix in organic matter like compost
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Choose a sunny spot with good drainage and remove weeds before planting
If your area gets heavy rain, make sure water can drain away from the plants so that the bulbs don’t rot.
planting and spacing
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Space rows 12–16 inches apart
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Space cloves 6 inches apart in each row
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Plant cloves 3 inches deep, root side down, pointed tip up
should you mulch your garlic?
Mulching can help protect your garlic and keep your garden healthy:
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Keeps soil temperature stable
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Holds in moisture
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Adds organic matter to soil
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Reduces weed growth
If you mulch:
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Use 2–6 inches of fluffy material like straw, hay, grass clippings, or leaves
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In warm or wet climates, you might want to remove the mulch in spring to avoid mold
Common mediums used for mulch include:
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straw
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hay
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grass clippings
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leaves
While mulch can help insulate garlic during the winter, it can also hold moisture during spring / summer and may cause the bulbs to mold. For this reason some gardeners may want to remove mulch as the ground begins to warm.
Weeding
Weeds compete with garlic for sun and space. Remove weeds regularly — especially ones with deep roots or tall leaves that block sunlight.
Water
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Garlic likes consistent moisture — don’t let the soil dry out completely
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Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone
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Don’t overwater — garlic doesn’t like soggy soil
Before harvest, stop watering about 2 weeks ahead of time. This helps the bulbs dry out and makes them easier to store.
Your watering needs will depend on your soil, climate, and garden setup.