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Vegetable
Garlic

Garlic

Allium sativum

Garlic is a hardy, sun-loving bulbous vegetable from the onion family, grown for its pungent cloves used in cooking. It’s easy to grow in a warm, well-drained spot and needs minimal fuss – plant individual cloves and they will develop into full bulbs by the following summer. Most garlic varieties require a cold spell over winter to form good bulbs, so in the UK they are generally planted in autumn. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck types produce flower stalks (scapes) which should be removed, and their bulbs have fewer but larger cloves (they store for around 4–6 months). Softneck types have more, smaller cloves and rarely bolt; they also store for longer, often up to a year.

Height60cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Garlic

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Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Step by step guide for growing hardneck garlic planted in autumn.

1
Plant Cloves

14 Nov - 14 Dec

Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointed-end up about below the soil surface, spacing them apart (with rows apart). November to December in Anchorsholme is the ideal window to plant garlic, as the cloves benefit from winter cold to form large bulbs. Firm the soil over the cloves and water them in. (Tip: If birds tend to pull up new cloves, cover the area with netting or fleece until they root.)

2
Fertilise in Spring

3 Apr - 3 May

Once the weather starts to warm and green shoots are growing strongly, feed your garlic plants. Around April to May in Anchorsholme, scatter a general-purpose or high-potash fertiliser around the cloves and lightly fork it in. This will give the garlic a boost as it enters its main growing phase in spring. Don’t overdo it – garlic only needs a modest feed if the soil was well prepared.

3
Water and Weed

4 May - 12 Aug

Through spring and early summer, keep the garlic bed weed-free and water during dry spells. Garlic needs consistent moisture while bulbs are swelling (water weekly if rain is lacking), but stop watering once the leaves begin to yellow. Always weed by hand to avoid disturbing the shallow bulbs. You can also lay a light mulch (e.g. straw or compost) between rows to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

4
Remove Flower Stalks

27 Jun - 12 Aug

If your garlic sends up flower stalks (scapes) in late spring, snap or cut them off as soon as they appear. Removing these “bonus” stems ensures the plant puts its energy into the bulb rather than a flower. Check your garlic patch every few days and continue to remove any new scapes. (Bonus: young garlic scapes are edible – try them chopped into stir-fries or pesto for a mild garlic flavour!)

5
Harvest Garlic

16 Aug - 15 Sept

August to September is harvest season for autumn-planted garlic in Anchorsholme. When the lower leaves turn yellow or brown (with a few green leaves remaining) it’s time to lift your garlic. Use a fork to carefully loosen the soil and lift the bulbs – do not pull them up by the stalk. Gently brush off excess soil but do not wash the bulbs. Let them dry (cure) for at least two weeks in a warm, airy spot out of direct sun. Hardneck garlic stores for around 4–6 months, so use these first. Once cured, you can enjoy your garlic straight away or store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.