Garlic is a popular crop grown worldwide for its use in cooking and medicine. Each year, about 25 million tons are produced globally. In the U.S., California grows most of the garlic, making up 90% of the crop, with about 10-12 tons harvested per acre. The best time to plant garlic in Atlanta is late fall, from October to early December. This timing helps the roots grow before winter and ensures good bulbs form.
In this guide, we will explore the best time to plant garlic in Atlanta, along with tips for soil preparation and care techniques, so you can enjoy flavorful, homegrown garlic straight from your garden.
Understanding Atlanta Climate
Atlanta is in USDA zones 7b-8a, with mild winters and long, humid summers. Winter temperatures usually range from 5°F to 15°F, which are ideal for garlic to grow strong roots without freezing the ground. Summers are hot, often exceeding 90°F, which can make it tricky for garlic to thrive.
The heat and humidity can cause fungal problems, so good soil drainage and proper care are essential. The mild winters also allow garlic to start growing early in spring, giving it plenty of time to form large, healthy bulbs before the summer heat sets in.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Garlic in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, the best time to plant garlic is mid-October to early November. By this time, the soil cools to about 50-55°F, which is perfect for garlic. Planting during this period gives garlic enough time to grow strong roots before winter. The roots can grow 2-4 inches deep, which helps the plant grow better in spring and form bigger bulbs.
While you can plant garlic in spring, it’s not ideal. Spring planting often leads to smaller, less flavorful bulbs. For Atlanta’s climate in zones 7b-8a, planting 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, usually by mid-November, works well. Choose garlic varieties that grow well in mild winters and respond quickly to early spring warmth for the best results.
Choosing the Right Garlic Varieties for Atlanta
Choosing the right garlic varieties for Atlanta is important for a good harvest. Atlanta’s weather is warm with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Some types of garlic do better in this climate than others. Here are some good options:
Softneck Varieties: These garlic types are perfect for Atlanta’s heat. Varieties like California Early, California Late, and Inchelium Red grow well in warm weather. Softneck garlic has more cloves and stores longer. It’s great if you want garlic that lasts a long time.
Artichoke garlic is another softneck option. It grows large bulbs with 10-14 cloves and does well in heat. Silverskin garlic is also a good choice. It has large bulbs and stores well for up to 12 months.
Hardneck Varieties: If you want garlic with a stronger flavor, try hardneck types like German Extra Hardy, Georgian Crystal, and Music. They produce fewer but bigger cloves. They also make garlic scapes in spring, which are tasty to cook with. But they don’t store as long as softneck garlic.
When choosing garlic, think about:
Disease resistance: Pick types that can resist local diseases.
Flavor: Choose the flavor you like, mild or strong.
Storage: Some garlic keeps longer than others.
Climate: Pick garlic that can handle Atlanta’s heat and humidity.
By choosing the right garlic for your garden, you can grow healthy and tasty garlic that does well in Atlanta’s climate.
How to Plant Garlic in Atlanta
Selecting Seed Garlic: Choosing good seed garlic is important for a successful crop. Certified seed garlic, which is disease-free and suited for the region, can help you get up to 40% better yields than store-bought garlic.
You can find certified seed garlic from local nurseries or special garlic farms. In Atlanta, expect to pay around $15-$25 per pound, which usually contains 40-70 cloves for planting.
Soil Preparation: Atlanta’s soil is heavy with clay, so it needs to be improved for garlic to grow well. Garlic prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding 2-3 inches of compost and well-aged manure before planting helps the soil.
The University of Georgia Extension recommends adding 2-4 pounds of balanced organic fertilizer (like 5-5-5) per 100 square feet to improve soil drainage and nutrients.
Clove Planting Techniques: When planting garlic, separate the cloves carefully from the bulb. Keep the papery skin on each clove and plant them with the pointed side up. In Atlanta, plant cloves 2-3 inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
This gives the bulbs space to grow and helps air circulate around them. The best time to plant is when the soil is 50-55°F, usually from mid-October to early November, to help the roots grow before winter.
Growing garlic in Atlanta requires knowing the local climate, choosing the right varieties, and using the correct planting techniques to fit the area’s soil and weather.
Caring for Garlic During the Growing Season in Atlanta
Winter Care: In winter, garlic grows roots and needs little attention. Keep the soil moist and cover plants with 2-3 inches of mulch to protect them from frost.
Spring Growth and Watering: As spring comes, around late February to early March, garlic starts growing more. Water it about 1 inch per week, but don’t overwater because too much water can cause diseases.
Fertilizing for Strong Growth: In early spring, when garlic plants are 6-8 inches tall, fertilize with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like blood meal or compost to help the garlic grow strong leaves and big bulbs.
Monitoring Pests: Watch for pests like thrips, onion maggots, and white rot, which can be a problem in the humid weather.
Bulbing Phase and Watering Reduction: In late May or early June, garlic enters the bulbing phase, so water less. Stop watering 2-3 weeks before harvest to help the bulbs cure and grow their skin, which also makes them last longer. When 50-60% of the leaves turn yellow, it’s time to harvest.
Scape Removal: For hardneck garlic, remove the curly flower stalks, called scapes, to help the plant focus on growing bigger bulbs. Cut scapes after they make a full curl for better garlic size and to enjoy them in cooking.
Managing Heat Stress: Garlic can handle some cold, but it doesn’t like too much heat. If your garlic gets too much sun, provide shade, especially in the afternoon. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of heat stress, like yellowing leaves, and protect them with extra mulch or shade cloth if needed.
Must Read: Best Time to Plant Perennials and Shrubs in Southern Michigan
Harvesting Garlic in Atlanta
Harvesting garlic in Atlanta usually happens between late May and early July. The garlic is ready when 50-60% of the leaves turn yellow and start to die back.
Digging Up the Garlic: To harvest, use a garden fork or spade, making sure to dig at least 6 inches away from the plant to avoid damaging the bulbs. Gently lift the entire plant with its roots and leaves.
Curing the Garlic: After harvesting, cure the garlic by shaking off extra soil, tying plants into bundles of 8-10 stalks, and hanging them in a shaded, well-ventilated area. The temperature should be between 70-85°F with 60-70% humidity for 2-3 weeks. This helps the outer skin develop, making the garlic last longer.
Storing the Garlic: Once cured, trim the roots to 1/4 inch and cut the stalks 1-2 inches above the bulb. Store garlic in mesh bags or open baskets in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 55-65°F and humidity around 50-60%. Softneck garlic can last 6-8 months, while hardneck garlic lasts 4-5 months.
Regular Inspection: Check your stored garlic every month and remove any bulbs that are soft, sprouting, or moldy to keep the rest of the garlic fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Garlic in Atlanta
Timing Mistakes: Many gardeners plant garlic too early or too late, which can affect its growth.
Soil Preparation Errors: Some gardeners neglect to prepare the soil properly, leading to poor garlic growth.
Overwatering or Planting in Poorly Draining Soil: Overwatering or planting garlic in soil that doesn’t drain well can lead to root rot and poor bulb development.
Choosing the Wrong Garlic Variety: Selecting an unsuitable garlic variety for the climate is a common mistake.
Using Store-Bought Garlic: Using store-bought garlic instead of certified seed garlic is a frequent error.
Incorrect Spacing: Planting garlic cloves too close together or at the wrong depth can stunt growth.
Forgetting to Mulch: Skipping mulching can expose garlic to temperature fluctuations and moisture issues.
Conclusion: Best Time to Plant Garlic in Atlanta
Ready to grow garlic in your Atlanta garden? With the right timing, care, and some patience, you can enjoy big, tasty garlic bulbs that will make your cooking even better. Don’t just dream of fresh, homegrown garlic—plant your cloves, take care of them through the seasons, and soon you’ll be picking garlic from your own garden.
It is a fun journey that will make your meals tastier. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you! Happy gardening!
FAQs
Best time to plant garlic in Atlanta, GA?
You should plant garlic in Atlanta from late October to early November. This gives the roots time to establish before the cold weather arrives.
What is the best month to plant garlic?
In Atlanta, planting garlic in November is ideal because it allows the cloves to develop strong roots before winter sets in.
What not to do when planting garlic?
Avoid planting in poorly draining soil, as this can cause the garlic to rot. Don’t use store-bought garlic for planting, as it’s usually treated and may not sprout. Also, be sure to space your cloves properly, and don’t forget to mulch during the winter to protect the garlic from frost.
Does garlic need crop rotation?
Yes, it’s important to rotate garlic with other crops every 3-4 years. This helps keep the soil healthy and reduces the chances of diseases that can affect garlic.
Why do you soak garlic before planting?
Soaking garlic in a liquid like seaweed or compost tea before planting can help boost its growth and prevent fungal diseases from forming.
How deep should garlic be planted?
Garlic cloves should be planted about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. This helps them grow properly and develop strong roots.
Can you grow garlic in the same spot every year?
It is not recommended to plant garlic in the same spot each year. Rotating crops helps replenish nutrients in the soil and lowers the risk of disease.
Can you eat garlic once it starts growing?
Yes! You can eat the young garlic shoots, known as garlic scapes. They’re flavorful and perfect for adding to dishes like stir-fries and salads.
Can you plant store-bought garlic to grow?
It’s best to avoid using store-bought garlic as seed garlic. Most store-bought garlic is treated to prevent sprouting, which can make it difficult to grow.
Can I plant tomatoes where I planted garlic?
Yes, tomatoes can follow garlic in crop rotation. Since garlic and tomatoes have different nutrient needs, planting them in succession can help keep the soil healthy and productive.