If you’re a gardener in zone 7b, knowing when to plant garlic is the single most important step for a successful harvest. Getting the timing right gives your cloves the best chance to establish roots before winter and produce large, healthy bulbs next summer. This guide will walk you through the optimal timing and simple steps for planting garlic in our unique climate.
Planting garlic is a rewarding fall task. It’s one of the last things you do in the garden before winter sets in, and it feels like a gift to your future self. In zone 7b, our winters are moderate enough for garlic to overwinter in the ground, but we still get the cold period the bulbs need to develop properly. Let’s get your garlic in the ground at the perfect time.
When To Plant Garlic In Zone 7b – Optimal Timing For Planting
The golden rule for zone 7b is to plant garlic in the fall, not the spring. Fall planting allows the clove to develop a robust root system and maybe even send up a small green shoot before the ground freezes. This head start is crucial for forming big bulbs.
The Ideal Planting Window
For most of zone 7b, the optimal planting period is from mid-October through mid-November. The goal is to plant after the first light frosts have occured but well before the ground becomes frozen solid.
You can use two simple guides to find your perfect date:
- The First Frost Date: Aim to plant your garlic cloves about 2-4 weeks after your area’s average first frost date. This cooling period signals the garlic to start root growth without triggering top growth to soon.
- Soil Temperature: A more precise method is to use a soil thermometer. Plant when the soil temperature at 4 inches deep is about 50°F (10°C). This is typically in that October to November window.
If you miss the fall window, you can try planting very early in the spring, but your bulbs will often be much smaller. Fall planting is always prefered for the best yield.
Why Timing is So Critical
Planting too early or too late in zone 7b leads to common problems. Here’s what can happen:
- Too Early (September): If planted while soil is still warm, cloves may produce too much top growth before winter. This tender growth can be damaged by hard freezes, wasting the plant’s energy.
- Too Late (December or later): If planted too close to hard freezes, the cloves won’t have time to establish adequate roots. They may heave out of the ground or simply rot before spring arrives.
Preparing for Planting Day
Good preparation makes planting day smooth and sets your garlic up for success. Here’s what to do in the weeks before your target date.
1. Source Your Garlic
Do not plant garlic from the grocery store. It is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases into your garden. Instead, buy “seed garlic” from a reputable nursery, garden center, or online supplier. You have two main types:
- Softneck Garlic: Stores very well, produces more cloves per bulb, and is best for braiding. It generally performs well in milder winter areas like zone 7b.
- Hardneck Garlic: Offers complex flavors and produces a delicious central stalk called a “scape.” It requires a more pronounced winter chill but many varieties thrive in 7b.
2. Choose and Prepare the Garden Bed
Garlic needs full sun and well-draining soil. It hates wet, soggy feet, especially over winter.
- Location: Pick your sunniest spot.
- Soil: Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Garlic is a heavy feeder that appreciates rich, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Fertilizer: You can mix in a balanced organic fertilizer or one high in phosphorus (for root growth) during bed preparation.
The Step-by-Step Planting Process
When your planting window arrives and your bed is ready, follow these simple steps.
- Break the Bulbs: Gently break apart your seed garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Do this just before planting to keep the basal plate (the flat, root-end) intact. Keep the papery skin on each clove—it acts as a protective layer.
- Select the Best Cloves: Always plant the largest, healthiest-looking cloves from each bulb. The bigger the clove you plant, the bigger the bulb it can produce. Use smaller cloves for cooking.
- Plant at the Right Depth and Spacing:
- Dig individual holes or a long furrow.
- Plant each clove pointed end UP, root end DOWN.
- Set cloves 2-3 inches deep (measured from the base of the clove).
- Space cloves 4-6 inches apart within the row.
- Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
- Cover and Mulch Heavily: Cover the cloves with soil and pat gently. Then, apply a 4-6 inch layer of loose, airy mulch like straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles. This mulch is vital in zone 7b—it regulates soil temperature, prevents heaving, and suppresses weeds.
- Water Thoroughly: Give the planted bed a good, deep watering to settle the soil around the cloves and trigger root growth.
Caring for Your Garlic Through the Seasons
After planting, your main job is to wait and provide a little seasonal care.
Winter Care
In zone 7b, your garlic will be snug under its mulch blanket. No further care is needed untill spring. The mulch will break down some, which is fine.
Spring Care
As temperatures warm in early March, you’ll see green shoots pushing through the mulch.
- Feed Your Garlic: When plants are about 6 inches tall, side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer like blood meal or a balanced organic blend. This fuels leaf growth, which in turn fuels bulb growth.
- Keep Weeds Down: Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds. Keep the bed weeded, but be careful not to damage the shallow roots.
- Water Consistently: Garlic needs about 1 inch of water per week in spring. As summer approaches, ease off on watering to let the bulbs begin to cure.
Summer Harvest Signals
Knowing when to harvest is as important as knowing when to plant. Here are the signs:
- For Hardnecks: The plant will send up a curly scape in early summer. Cut this off to direct energy to the bulb. Harvest is typically 4-6 weeks after scape removal.
- For All Garlic: Watch the lower leaves. When about 3-5 of the bottom leaves have turned brown, but 5-7 top leaves are still green, it’s harvest time. This is usually in late June or early July in zone 7b.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect timing, sometimes issues arise. Here’s how to handle them.
- Garlic Sprouting Too Early in Fall: A little green growth is okay. If you get a major warm spell and shoots grow several inches, a thick layer of straw mulch can help protect them from subsequent freezes.
- Garlic Not Coming Up in Spring: Check a spot by gently digging. Cloves may have rotted (often from wet soil or poor drainage) or been eaten by pests like nematodes. You may need to replant with spring-planting garlic if it’s still early enough.
- Small Bulbs: This is usually due to competition from weeds, inadequate spring feeding, or planting cloves that were to small to begin with.
FAQ: Your Garlic Planting Questions Answered
Can I plant garlic from the store in zone 7b?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought garlic is often not suited for our climate and can introduce disease. Always use certified disease-free seed garlic for the best results.
What is the best month to plant garlic in 7b?
October is the most reliable month for planting garlic across most of zone 7b. Early November is also excellent, especially in warmer microclimates.
Should I refrigerate garlic before planting in zone 7?
No, vernalization (cold treatment) is not necessary for zone 7b. Our winter ground temperatures provide sufficient chill for both hardneck and softneck varieties without pre-chilling in the fridge.
How deep should you plant garlic in the fall?
Plant cloves 2 to 3 inches deep, measured from the base of the clove to the soil surface. In lighter, sandier soils, you can go to 3 inches for extra winter protection.
Can you overwater garlic?
Yes, especially in winter. Overwatering in fall or winter can cause cloves to rot. In spring, consistent moisture is key, but soil should never be soggy. Good drainage is absolutly essential.
By following this timing guide and simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful garlic harvest. The key is to respect the fall planting window, prepare your soil well, and use that insulating mulch. Mark your calendar for mid-October, get your seed garlic ordered, and look forward to one of the garden’s most satisfying rewards next summer.