Few crops are as satisfying to grow as garlic. It’s easy, space-efficient, and adds unbeatable flavour to just about any dish. Yet the secret to big, healthy bulbs lies in one simple factor: timing. Knowing when to plant garlic in the UK can make all the difference between plump, flavour-packed cloves and disappointing, undersized bulbs.
I’ve been growing garlic for over 30 years in everything from windswept allotments in Lincolnshire to a small raised bed behind my home in Hertfordshire. Through trial (and plenty of error), I’ve learned that timing really is everything when it comes to this wonderfully resilient crop.
Here’s everything you need to know about when to plant garlic in the UK, plus a few tried-and-tested tips from my own experience.
What is the Best Time to Plant Garlic in the UK ?
1. Autumn Planting (October–December) – The traditional and most reliable time
If you ask most seasoned growers when to plant garlic, they’ll say autumn – and for good reason. Garlic needs a period of cold weather (known as vernalisation) to split each clove into a bulb. Planting in autumn gives your garlic that essential winter chill, leading to strong root development before spring.
Ideal months: Late October to mid-December
Best for: Hardneck and softneck varieties suited to UK winters
“I always aim to get my cloves in the ground around Bonfire Night. It’s usually cool enough by then, and the soil still has a bit of warmth. The roots establish nicely before Christmas.”
Garlic Varieties I recommend for Autumn planting:
- ‘Solent Wight’ – excellent for southern gardens; reliable bulbs and stores well
- ‘Carcassonne Wight’ – hardy, ideal for colder regions
- ‘Chesnok Red’ – superb flavour, great for roasting
2. Spring Planting (February–April) – For milder regions or late starters
If you’ve missed the autumn window, don’t panic. You can still plant garlic in early spring once the soil is workable. While bulbs planted in spring are often smaller, they still produce good yields with proper care.
Ideal months: February to early April
Best for: Softneck varieties and mild areas of the UK (e.g., South England)
“One year I forgot to plant in autumn – the plot was flooded right through December. I tried again in early March using ‘Messo Garlic’, a softneck variety. The bulbs weren’t huge, but the flavour was phenomenal. It reminded me that garlic will forgive you, as long as you give it sun and drainage.”
Key Tips for Garlic Growing Success
Choose the Right Spot
Garlic loves full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting where water tends to sit – garlic hates soggy roots. If your garden is heavy clay, consider raised beds or mix in plenty of grit and organic compost.
Break Up the Bulbs Just Before Planting
Separate the cloves carefully and plant them pointy-end up, about 2–3 cm below the surface and 15 cm apart. I use a small dibber to keep spacing neat – it makes weeding easier later.
Mulch for Winter Protection
In colder areas, mulch your garlic bed with straw, compost, or leaf mould. This keeps soil temperatures stable and prevents frost heave.
Feed in Spring
As shoots appear, give your garlic a boost with a nitrogen-rich feed (such as fish blood and bone or a seaweed-based fertiliser). Stop feeding once bulbs start to swell in early summer.
When to Harvest Garlic in the UK?
Garlic planted in autumn is typically ready to harvest by July, while spring-planted garlic follows a few weeks later – often by August. You’ll know it’s ready when the lower leaves start to yellow, but the upper ones are still green.
“I always test one bulb before harvesting the whole lot. If the cloves are well formed and the skins are dry, it’s time. Nothing beats that moment of pulling up a fat, purple-tinged bulb from the soil – it’s pure magic.”
Planting garlic in the UK isn’t complicated, but it rewards those who pay attention to timing. Autumn planting produces the biggest bulbs, but a well-timed spring sowing can still bring you a great harvest. Either way, once you’ve tasted your own home-grown garlic, you’ll never go back to shop-bought again.
So this October, grab a few bulbs, find a sunny corner, and give it a go – your kitchen (and your future self) will thank you.
Growing Garlic FAQ
If you have any questions, contact us or leave a comment below and we will do our best to answer your garlic growing questions!
When is the best month to plant garlic in the UK?
The best time to plant garlic in the UK is from late October to mid-December. Autumn planting gives the bulbs a vital cold period to develop strong roots.
Can you plant garlic in spring in the UK?
Yes, garlic can be planted in February to early April if you miss the autumn window. Choose softneck varieties for the best results and expect slightly smaller bulbs.
Can I plant supermarket garlic?
It’s not ideal. Supermarket garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases. For reliable growth, buy UK-certified seed garlic from a reputable supplier.
How deep should you plant garlic cloves?
Plant each clove about 2–3 cm deep with the pointed end facing up and space them 15 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.
How long does garlic take to grow?
Garlic takes around 7–8 months from planting to harvest. Autumn-planted garlic is usually ready by July, while spring plantings are ready in August.
What varieties of garlic grow best in the UK?
Hardneck types like Carcassonne Wight and softneck varieties like Solent Wight perform exceptionally well in UK conditions.
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