Garlics in West Marden
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Garlic
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Plant garlic cloves in autumn for a robust summer harvest. This method yields larger bulbs as the plants establish roots over winter.
Prepare Soil
15 Oct – 29 OctEnsure the soil is well-draining to prevent winter rot. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, ideally 15th October - 29th October. Work the soil to a fine tilth and remove any weeds.
Plant Cloves
15 Oct – 29 OctPlant individual cloves with the tips just showing above the soil, spaced apart in rows apart. Firm the soil gently around them to eliminate air pockets. This is best done 15th October - 29th October.
Weed and Mulch
29 Oct – 5 NovKeep the area weed-free, as garlic competes poorly for light and nutrients. Apply a mulch of straw or compost to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Do this 29th October - 5th November after planting.
Remove Scapes
20 Apr – 20 MayIf growing hardneck varieties, snap off the curly flower scapes in late spring to direct energy into bulb growth. Do this 20th April - 20th May when scapes appear.
Harvest Bulbs
19 Jun – 19 JulLift bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over, typically 19th June - 19th July. Use a fork to loosen the soil and avoid damaging the bulbs.
Cure and Store
4 Jul – 11 JulDry 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 4th July - 11th July after harvest.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Garlic.
Good companions
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
Solent Wight
A softneck variety with a strong flavour, excellent for storing and well-suited to UK climates.
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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Dahlia
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Peas
A cool-season legume grown for its sweet pods or shelling peas. In the UK, peas thrive in early spring and autumn, needing support and protection from pests like mice and pigeons.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Also in nearby towns
See how Garlic timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.