If you’re gardening in zone 7, 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 schedule and simple steps for planting garlic in your climate.
Fall planting is the standard method for most garlic types. The goal is to get the cloves in the ground so they can develop a robust root system before the ground freezes, but not so early that they send up green top growth above the soil line. This “root down, not up” phase is crucial.
When To Plant Garlic In Zone 7
For zone 7 gardeners, the optimal planting window is typically from mid-October through mid-November. You should aim to plant about 4-6 weeks before the ground is expected to freeze hard. This allows that critical root development to happen.
A good rule of thumb is to plant after the first light frost but before a hard freeze. Soil temperatures should be cool, ideally around 50°F (10°C). If you plant to early while soil is still warm, you risk premature sprouting which can be damaged by winter cold.
Understanding Your Zone 7 Microclimate
Zone 7 covers a broad range, from the Pacific Northwest to the Mid-Atlantic and into parts of the South. Your specific location within zone 7 can shift your timing slightly.
- Cooler Zone 7a: Lean toward the earlier part of the window, like early to mid-October.
- Warmer Zone 7b: You can often plant successfully in late October or even early November.
- Urban or Protected Gardens: These spots stay warmer, so delay planting by a week or two to avoid early sprouting.
Always check a long-range forcast for your area as well. An unusually warm or cold autumn may require you to adjust your schedule by a week or so.
The Two Main Garlic Types: Hardneck vs. Softneck
Your choice of garlic type can influence your planting success. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Hardneck Garlic: Prefers colder winters and thrives in zone 7. It produces a central stalk called a scape, which should be removed in spring to encourage bulb growth. Hardnecks have complex flavors but don’t store as long as softnecks.
- Softneck Garlic: Better suited to milder winters, but many varieties grow well in zone 7. They don’t produce a scape, have a milder flavor, and their braidable stalks make them excellent for long-term storage.
For zone 7, you can grow either type successfully. Many gardeners find hardnecks particularly rewarding. Try planting a few of both to see which performs best in your specific garden.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Garlic
Follow these steps for a perfect planting.
1. Source Your Seed Garlic
Always start with high-quality “seed garlic” from a reputable nursery or garden center. Do not plant garlic from the grocery store, as it is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases not suited to your soil.
2. Prepare the Planting Bed
Garlic needs loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Choose a spot that gets full sun.
- Work the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches.
- Mix in several inches of finished compost or well-rotted manure.
- Avoid fresh manure, as it can be to strong and may introduce pathogens.
3. Separate and Plant the Cloves
On planting day, gently break the garlic bulb apart into individual cloves. Keep the papery skin on each clove intact.
- Plant cloves pointy-end up, root-side down.
- Place them about 2-3 inches deep.
- Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
4. Mulch Heavily After Planting
This is a non-negotiable step for zone 7 winters. After planting, water the bed well. Then, apply a 4-6 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles. This mulch insulates the soil, prevents heaving from freeze-thaw cycles, and suppresses weeds come spring.
What If You Miss the Fall Window?
Life gets busy, and sometimes the fall window slips by. If you find yourself in early spring with unplanted garlic, you can try “spring planting.”
Plant the cloves as soon as the ground is workable in very early spring. The bulbs will be smaller than fall-planted garlic, but you’ll still get a harvest. Use the largest cloves you have to give them a head start.
Caring for Your Garlic Through the Seasons
Garlic is a low-maintenance crop, but it does need some attention.
- Spring: As shoots emerge, you can lightly side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer. Keep the bed weeded, as garlic hates competition. Water if the spring is dry.
- Early Summer (for Hardnecks): Remove the curly scapes when they make one full loop. This directs energy back to the bulb. Don’t throw them away—scapes are delicious in pesto or stir-fries!
- Watering: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during bulb formation in May and June. Reduce watering in the last few weeks before harvest to let the bulbs cure in the ground.
Knowing When to Harvest
Harvest time in zone 7 is usually late June through July. Watch for these signs:
- The bottom 3-4 leaves turn brown, while the top 5-6 are still green.
- The plant begins to look a bit “tired” and starts to fall over.
Gently dig up a test bulb. If the cloves are well-formed and fill out the skin, it’s time to harvest. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and lift the bulbs carefully to avoid bruising them.
Curing and Storing Your Garlic
Proper curing is essential for storage.
- Brush off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs.
- Lay them out in a single layer or hang them in bunches in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sun for 3-4 weeks.
- Once the necks are completely dry and the outer skin is papery, trim the roots and cut the stalks (or leave them on for braiding softnecks).
- Store your cured garlic in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.
FAQ: Planting Garlic in Zone 7
Can I plant garlic from the store?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought garlic is often from varieties not suited to your climate and may be treated with growth inhibitors. It can also carry diseases into your garden soil.
What is the best month to plant garlic in zone 7?
October is generally the best month for most of zone 7. In warmer 7b areas, early November is often perfect.
How deep should I plant garlic cloves?
Plant them 2 to 3 inches deep, measured from the base of the clove to the soil surface. Deeper planting can help insulate them in colder microclimates.
Should I water garlic after planting in fall?
Yes, give them a good watering after planting to settle the soil around the cloves. After that, natural rainfall is usually sufficient until spring.
Why did my garlic come up in the fall?
If you planted to early or had a warm spell, some green growth may appear. This isn’t ideal, but a thick layer of mulch will usually protect it through winter. The plants may be a bit stressed but often recover.
Can I grow garlic in containers in zone 7?
Absolutely. Use a deep pot (at least 12 inches) with excellent drainage, follow the same planting depth and timing, and provide winter protection by moving the container to a sheltered location or insulating it.
By following this schedule and these simple steps, you’ll set your garlic up for success. The wait from fall to summer is long, but the reward of homegrown garlic is well worth it. Remember to save your biggest and best bulbs to replant next season, creating a cycle of delicious, self-sufficient harvests for years to come.