How to Store Garlic Before Planting

Jana Yockey
Jul 24
2 min read

We know that many gardeners receive their seed garlic weeks—or even months—before planting time. Whether you're waiting for cooler fall temperatures or simply planning ahead, it's important to store your garlic properly to ensure healthy, vigorous bulbs at planting time.

Here are our best practices for storing garlic before planting:

Garlic seed removed from box after it arrives — Remove garlic from box after it arrives

1. Unbox Your Garlic Right Away

As soon as your garlic arrives, remove it from the shipping box. Garlic needs airflow to stay fresh. While each variety from Garlic Gods arrives in a breathable mesh bag (clearly labeled for easy identification), the outer packaging can trap heat and moisture.

Hang the mesh bags or place them in a cool, dark, dry space—like a well-ventilated pantry, root cellar, or basement shelf. This will help prevent mold, early sprouting, or deterioration.

2. Don’t Store Garlic in the Refrigerator (Unless Vernalizing)

Avoid placing garlic in the fridge unless you're specifically vernalizing your seed garlic (a chilling process used to trigger bulb development in some climates). Cold, humid environments like refrigerators can stimulate premature sprouting and root growth, which is not ideal unless done with intent.

📝 Want to learn more about vernalization? [Read our blog here]

3. Keep Garlic Away From Sunlight and Heat

Never store garlic in direct sunlight or in warm areas like near the stove, oven, or windowsill. Heat and light will cause the bulbs to break down faster, reducing their storage life and planting viability. Ideal storage temperature is around 50–60°F with low humidity.

Food storage, basket of potatoes — Don't store your garlic next to potatoes

4. Don’t Store Garlic with Potatoes

While both garlic and potatoes prefer cool, dark, and dry conditions, they should be stored separately. Garlic releases natural gases that can cause potatoes to sprout and spoil more quickly. To keep both crops at their best, store them in different locations.

Final Tips for Healthy Garlic at Planting Time

Handle bulbs gently to avoid bruising or clove separation
Do not separate the bulbs into cloves until you are ready to plant
Keep track of variety names using the tags provided in your order
Check periodically for any signs of sprouting
Store in mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets—never plastic

Proper storage of your seed garlic is essential to ensuring healthy growth when planting season arrives. By following these simple steps, you'll be setting your garlic up for a strong start—and a bountiful harvest.