Solent Wight
A softneck variety with a strong flavour, excellent for storing and well-suited to UK climates.
When to plant Garlic in Newcastle upon Tyne
Allium sativum
Hardy garlic for a sunny, well-drained UK bed. Plant garlic sold for planting in autumn so it gets a cold spell and makes bulbs the following summer. Choose named varieties sold as seed garlic rather than supermarket bulbs. Hardneck types make a flower stem called a scape. Snap it off when it appears. Softneck types rarely make scapes.
60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Newcastle upon Tyne · average last frost around 25 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Plant garlic cloves in early spring for a later summer harvest. This method is useful if autumn planting was missed.
01
Prepare Soil
11 Mar to 26 MarEnsure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, ideally 11th March - 26th March. Remove any weeds and break up clods.
02
Plant Cloves
26 Mar to 11 AprPlant individual cloves with the tips just showing above the soil, spaced apart in rows apart. Firm the soil gently around them. This is best done 26th March - 11th April.
03
Weed and Water
2 Apr to 9 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageKeep the area weed-free and water during dry spells to ensure good growth. Garlic has shallow roots and benefits from consistent moisture. Maintain this 2nd April - 9th August after planting.
04
Remove Scapes
24 Jun to 9 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageIf growing hardneck varieties, snap off the curly flower scapes in late spring to direct energy into bulb growth. Do this 24th June - 9th August when scapes appear.
05
Harvest Bulbs
24 Jul to 8 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over, typically 24th July - 8th September. Use a fork to loosen the soil and avoid damaging the bulbs.
06
Cure and Store
24 Jul to 15 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageDry the harvested bulbs in a well-ventilated, shaded spot for 2–3 weeks until the skins are papery. Trim the roots and foliage before storing in a cool, dry place. Start curing 24th July - 15th September after harvest.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Garlic.
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Garlic to consider
Purple Wight
A hardneck variety with purple-striped skin and a milder taste, ideal for autumn planting.
Cristo
A softneck variety known for its large bulbs and good resistance to rust, suitable for spring planting.
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