Garlic Guide

When to Plant Garlic

Plant garlic in the fall about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. 

Where to Plant

Garlic needs to be planted in full sun on a sloping site,
raised bed, or well-draining soil to avoid rotting. 
Garlic has a long growing cycle so build soil fertility with compost or all-purpose fertilizer. 

How to Plant

Prior to planting, break up the garlic cloves leaving as much papery covering as possible. 

Plant garlic 2-3 inches deep, and 6 inches apart with pointy ends facing up and root side down. 

Apply 3-6 inches of mulch such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings. 

Additional Garlic Planting Tips

In early Spring, provide nitrogen to garlic, and weeding begins! Consistent weeding is encouraged because garlic doesn’t do well against competition. 

Pick your mulch carefully to discourage weeds. 

In May or early June, watch for the flower stalk called scape on hardneck garlic.  Remove the scape when it has formed one curl to help increase bulb size.  These are edible and delicious!  Harvest time is just around the corner!

Watering garlic can be tricky.  If you live in an area with moisture throughout the winter and early spring months, you may not need to water too often.  Monitor the moisture in the soil and irrigate deeply to reach the roots once a week if necessary.   As harvest approaches, taper off watering. 

Harvest garlic when you have 4-5 green leaves on top and the lower leaves are dried.  If unsure, pull one up and cut it crosswise to check for mature cloves. Handle carefully during the harvest and curing phase as the garlic bulbs are fragile.  They can bruise easily, and should be covered or protected from the sun.

Cure the garlic in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated area until they are dry (2-4 weeks).  *Soft Necks have more layers of cloves so they will take the longest to dry out.

Once dry remove the tops and roots.  Dust off the remaining dirt. Be careful during this process as every layer of paper preserved on the bulb will help extend the shelf life of the garlic.

Do not store garlic in the refrigerator.  Instead, store garlic in a cool, dry place with plenty of air flow and away from sunlight.  Keep garlic in mesh or paper bags. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Although our organic is not yet certified organic, we do not use herbicides or pesticides on our garlic.

  • Our family farm is called Dorman Farms and is located in Bufffalo, MO. It is not open to the public at this time.

  • We offer shipping for our garlic nationwide in the United States.