If you want a successful garlic harvest in the Great Lakes State, knowing when to plant garlic in Michigan is the most important step. Getting the timing right ensures your cloves develop strong roots before winter and produce big, healthy bulbs next summer.
This guide gives you the clear, practical advice you need. We’ll cover the best planting windows, how to prepare, and simple steps for a great crop.
When to Plant Garlic in Michigan
The short answer is fall. Garlic needs a period of cold dormancy, called vernalization, to properly develop bulbs. Planting in autumn allows the cloves to establish roots before the ground freezes. They then go dormant over winter and are ready to surge into growth as soon as spring warmth returns.
For most of Michigan, the ideal planting period is from mid-October through early November. This timing is crucial. You want to get cloves in the ground about 4-6 weeks before the soil is expected to freeze hard. This gives them enough time for root growth, but not so much time that they send up green shoots above the soil line before winter.
Understanding Your Michigan Planting Zone
Michigan’s climate varies, so your specific location will fine-tune your schedule. Check your USDA Hardiness Zone for the best results.
* Zones 6a & 6b (Southern Lower Michigan): Plant from late October to mid-November. The slightly warmer fall means you can plant a bit later.
* Zones 5a & 5b (Most of Lower Michigan & Southern Upper Peninsula): This is the core mid-October to early November window. It includes cities like Grand Rapids, Lansing, and much of the northern Lower Peninsula.
* Zones 4a & 4b (Northern Upper Peninsula & coldest pockets): Aim for early to mid-October. Winter arrives earlier here, so getting cloves in the ground sooner is key.
A good rule of thumb is to plant after your first light frost but before the ground becomes solid. If you miss the fall window, a very early spring planting is possible, but bulbs will often be smaller.
Choosing the Right Garlic for Michigan
You have two main types to choose from, and both grow well here.
Hardneck Garlic:
* Best suited for Michigan’s cold winters.
* Produces a hard, central stalk called a scape.
* Offers complex, robust flavors.
* Has fewer, larger cloves per bulb that are easier to peel.
Does not store quite as long as softneck (usually 4-6 months).
Softneck Garlic:
* Tolerates cold but is sometimes less winter-hardy than hardneck.
* Does not produce a scape.
* Has a milder flavor, great for roasting.
* Produces more cloves per bulb, often in multiple layers.
* Stores exceptionally well (up to 9-12 months).
* Is the type used for garlic braids.
My recommendation: Start with a hardy hardneck variety like ‘Music,’ ‘German Extra Hardy,’ or ‘Chesnok Red’ for reliability. Always buy seed garlic from a reputable nursery or garden center. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may not be suited to our climate.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Garlic thrives in loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Soggy soil will cause cloves to rot over winter.
1. Pick a Sunny Spot: Choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily.
2. Amend the Soil: Work in several inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
3. Check the pH: Garlic prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
4. Fertilize: Mix in a balanced organic fertilizer or a fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number on the bag) to encourage strong root development.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps for planting success.
1. Break the Bulb: Carefully separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves just before planting. Keep the papery skin on each clove.
2. Select the Best Cloves: Plant only the largest, healthiest-looking cloves. The size of the clove directly influences the size of the future bulb. Use smaller cloves for cooking.
3. Dig Holes or Furrows: Plant cloves about 3 inches deep with the pointed end up. If your winters are very severe, planting 4 inches deep is fine.
4. Space Them Out: Space cloves 6-8 inches apart within the row. Rows should be about 12 inches apart.
5. Cover and Water: Cover the cloves with soil and give the bed a good watering to settle the soil around them.
6. Mulch Heavily: After the ground has begun to cool (often after a few hard freezes), apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch. Straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings work perfectly. This layer insulates the soil, prevents frost heave, and suppresses weeds.
Garlic Care Through the Seasons
Winter: Relax! The garlic is dormant under its mulch blanket.
Spring:
* As temperatures warm, green shoots will emerge through the mulch.
* Fertilize in early spring with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic blend) to fuel leaf growth.
* Keep the bed weeded, as garlic doesn’t compete well.
* Water if the spring is dry, providing about 1 inch of water per week.
Early Summer (For Hardneck Garlic):
* In June, hardneck garlic will send up a curly flower stalk called a scape.
* Cut these scapes off when they make one full curl. This directs the plant’s energy back into bulbing, resulting in a 20-30% larger bulb.
* Don’t throw them away! Garlic scapes are a delicious seasonal treat, perfect for pesto or stir-fries.
Harvesting and Curing Your Michigan Garlic
Knowing when to harvest is as important as knowing when to plant.
* Signs of Readiness: In mid-to-late July, look for the lower 3-4 leaves to turn brown, while the top 5-6 leaves are still green. For hardnecks, this is about 3-4 weeks after you’ve removed the scapes.
* Harvest Method: On a dry day, gently loosen the soil with a garden fork and lift the bulbs. Avoid pulling by the stem, as it can break.
* Brushing Off Soil: Gently brush off excess soil, but do not wash the bulbs.
Curing is Essential:
1. Keep the bulbs out of direct sun and in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (like a garage or covered porch).
2. Hang them in bunches or lay them on a rack.
3. Let them cure for 3-4 weeks. This process allows the outer skins to dry and the flavors to concentrate, which is vital for storage.
4. Once the necks are completely dry and tight, trim the roots and cut the stems short. Your garlic is now ready for storage in a cool, dark place.
Common Problems and Solutions
* Rotting Cloves: Caused by poorly drained soil. Ensure your bed is well-drained and you used healthy seed stock.
* Small Bulbs: Often from planting too late in fall, planting too small of cloves, or not removing scapes from hardnecks.
* Weeds: Mulch heavily to supress weeds, which compete with garlic for nutrients.
* Pests: Few pests bother garlic. On occasion, you might see aphids; a strong spray of water usually knocks them off.
FAQ: Your Michigan Garlic Questions Answered
Q: Can I plant garlic from the grocery store in Michigan?
A: It’s not recommended. It may be a variety unsuited for our climate and is often treated to prevent sprouting. Buy certified seed garlic for best results.
Q: What if I missed the fall planting window?
A: You can plant very early in spring as soon as the ground is workable. The bulbs will be smaller, but you’ll still get a harvest.
Q: How do I save my own garlic for planting next year?
A: At harvest, set aside your largest, most perfect bulbs. Store them as you would for eating, and then use them as your seed garlic in the fall. This is a great way to develop a strain acclimated to your specific garden.
Q: Should I water my garlic after planting in fall?
A: Yes, give it a good watering to settle the soil. After that, natural rainfall is usually sufficient until spring.
Q: When is it to late to plant garlic in the autumn?
A: If the ground is frozen solid, it’s too late. You can try planting if you can still dig, even if it’s December and the ground isn’t frozen hard, but results may be less reliable. Mid-fall is always safest.
Getting your garlic in the ground at the right time sets the stage for an easy and rewarding harvest. By following this Michigan-specific advice, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your own homegrown garlic for months to come.