When to plant Garlic in the UK

Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, ideally mid-March to early April. Remove any weeds and break up clods.

Plant individual cloves with the tips just showing above the soil, spaced 15 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Firm the soil gently around them. This is best done early April to mid-April.

Keep the area weed-free and water during dry spells to ensure good growth. Garlic has shallow roots and benefits from consistent moisture. Maintain this early April to mid-August after planting.

If growing hardneck varieties, snap off the curly flower scapes in late spring to direct energy into bulb growth. Do this early July to mid-August when scapes appear.

Lift bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over, typically early August to mid-September. Use a fork to loosen the soil and avoid damaging the bulbs.

Dry 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 early August to late September after harvest.