How to Plant a Clove of Garlic

Garlic is a versatile and delicious ingredient that is a staple in many kitchens. Luckily, garlic is also easy to grow in your own garden or even in a container on your porch. Here's how to plant a clove of garlic to grow your own delicious and flavorful bulbs.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting garlic, it's important to prepare the soil. Garlic prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. Start by digging over the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the soil's surface. If the soil is heavy or compacted, you may want to add some organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to improve soil structure.

Choosing the Cloves

Choose healthy garlic bulbs that are free from any signs of damage or mold. Break the bulb into individual cloves, being careful not to damage the basal plate, which is the part of the clove that will send out roots. You can plant either the larger outside cloves or the smaller inner cloves. Keep in mind that the larger outside cloves will produce larger bulbs.

Planting the Cloves

Plant the garlic cloves about 2 inches deep with the flat end down and the pointed end up. Space the cloves about 6 inches apart in rows that are about 12 inches apart. You can also plant garlic in containers, using a large container that is at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill the container with potting soil and plant the cloves in the same manner, spacing them at least 6 inches apart.

Caring for the Garlic

Water the garlic immediately after planting and then regularly throughout the growing season. Garlic prefers consistent moisture, but be careful not to overwater as garlic does not like to sit in soggy soil. Mulch around the base of the garlic plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In the spring, feed the garlic plants with a balanced fertilizer or organic matter such as fish emulsion or compost. This will help to promote strong growth and healthy bulbs. Remove any flower stalks that may grow as these will take energy away from the bulb.

Harvesting the Garlic

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall over. Be sure to stop watering the garlic a week before harvesting to allow the soil to dry out. Carefully dig up the bulbs with a garden fork, taking care not to damage them. Allow the bulbs to dry in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place for several weeks until the outer skins are dry and papery.

Store the garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Garlic can be stored in a mesh bag, a braid, or even in a jar with olive oil. Now that you know how to plant a clove of garlic, you can enjoy the delicious and flavorful bulbs all season long.