Planting Garlic… Is It Too Late?!

Planting Garlic at the right time.. Right or Wrong?

While many folks usually plant their garlic in early to mid-October, we’ve just planted ours. Life can get hectic, and sometimes you find yourself putting things off until you realize time is slipping away! All jokes aside, you can actually plant garlic whenever you like. This week’s newsletter is dedicated to garlic and setting the stage for successful planting!

Last year, we planted our garlic around the beginning of October, and we had some sprouts before the snow arrived and the ground froze. This year might play out a bit differently, but with the current warmer weather, we might catch a break. Remember, if your garlic doesn’t sprout before the snow, there’s no need to panic! For those in a situation similar to ours, it just means a bit more patience before harvesting next summer.

Garlic 101

Whether it’s your first year or you’re a seasoned pro at planting garlic, we believe it’s one of the easiest crops to grow, though the downside is the patience it demands — a full eight to nine months before it’s ready for harvest.

To plant garlic, start by breaking apart a garlic head into individual cloves. Typically, each hard neck garlic head has between five to seven cloves. Once separated, create holes about two inches deep and one inch in diameter. These holes should be roughly three to four inches apart. We like to plant our garlic two to three inches below the soil surface, a precaution against crafty squirrels. Insert the garlic cloves with the pointy side up and the root side facing down. Cover the holes with soil, give it a good deep watering, and you’re all set!

Enhance your garlic beds with mulched leaves, straw, or chicken manure pellets. Personally, we opt for mulched leaves (recalling last week’s newsletter!) and sprinkle some chicken manure pellets. This not only helps keep squirrels at bay but also provides nutrients to the soil as the leaves break down.

Our approach has proven successful over the past four seasons. We don’t do much watering until spring and summer, and even then, it’s minimal. If critters are a concern, consider adding chicken wire sheets to the bed to protect your garlic from hungry visitors.

5 Key Takeaways

Timing (somewhat) Matters: Plant garlic in the fall, typically around October, giving it ample time to establish roots before winter. However, garlic is forgiving, and you can plant it whenever the ground is workable.

Prepare the Cloves: Break apart a garlic head into individual cloves. Ensure each clove is firm and healthy-looking.

Planting Depth and Orientation: Make holes about 2 inches deep and 1 inch in diameter. Plant cloves with the pointy side up and the root side facing down. Keep them two to three inches below the soil surface.

Enhance the Bed: Consider adding mulched leaves, straw, or chicken manure pellets to enrich the soil and deter pests. This provides nutrients and protects against critters.

Minimal Maintenance: Garlic requires minimal care. Water sparingly, especially in the fall, and consider adding a layer of mulch to insulate the bed over winter. If critters are a concern, use chicken wire sheets for protection.

What’s next?

Now that the vibrant colours of summer are transitioning into the warm hues of fall, it’s the perfect time to turn your thoughts toward the kitchen garden of your dreams for the coming year. The planning phase is where the magic begins, and we’re here to help you make it a reality.

We’re excited to announce that we are now accepting design consultation appointments for the upcoming gardening season (2024). To ensure that you receive the personalized attention you deserve, we’re limiting our design consultation slots to four clients per month until March. These sessions are incredibly popular and tend to fill up quickly, so securing your spot as soon as possible is essential.

Our design consultations are a unique opportunity to collaborate with us. Whether you’re dreaming of a beautiful kitchen garden layout, seeking construction services, or looking for a tailored plan, our team is dedicated to making your vision come to life.

Additionally, don’t forget to stay connected with us on social media. Our platforms are brimming with gardening insights, exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, and real-time updates. We cherish the opportunity to engage with our gardening community and learn from your individual gardening journeys. Join our ever-growing family of plant enthusiasts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and start the conversation today. Share your gardening aspirations, ask questions, and let us guide you towards transforming your vision into a flourishing reality. We’re honored to be a part of your kitchen garden success story!

We are here to help you achieve your gardening goals! Reach out with any questions that might come up throughout your journey. 

We are excited to announce that there are some new DIY plans on our Etsy store. Whether you need some more storage in the garden, are looking to spruce up your curb appeal or are looking for a new way to grow your tomatoes, we have something for you!

Check it out here – https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WillowLaneGardenCo

Best regards,

Tessa & Kyle
Willow Lane Garden Co.

P.S. Tag us in your garden photos and stories on social media. We’d love to see your green thumb in action!