Garlic Sets for Fall Planting: A Complete Guide

Garlic sets are garlic bulbs that have been broken into individual cloves for planting. Fall is the best time to plant garlic sets in most regions allowing the cloves time to establish roots before winter dormancy. With the right care, those single cloves will multiply into full bulbs come harvest time next summer.

Growing garlic from sets is relatively easy and very rewarding. Homegrown garlic has a depth of flavor that store-bought bulbs can’t match. The variety of flavors, from mild and sweet to pungent and spicy, is incredible. With minimal effort, you can grow garlic that will add incredible flavor to dishes all year long.

Why Plant Garlic Sets in Fall?

Garlic is a cold weather crop that needs a period of winter chilling for proper growth and bulb formation Planting in fall allows the cloves to establish roots before the ground freezes The cloves remain dormant through winter. When soil temperatures increase in spring, green shoots emerge and the bulbs start actively growing.

Fall-planted garlic matures early the following summer, often 4-6 weeks before spring-planted garlic. Earlier harvest means bigger bulbs, as plants have more time to grow before temperatures get too hot. The cloves from fall-planted bulbs also produce larger bulbs when replanted.

Choosing the Best Garlic Varieties for Fall Planting

With over 600 varieties of garlic to choose from selecting the right ones for your garden can be overwhelming. Here are some top considerations

Climate

• Hardneck garlic varieties perform best in northern climates with cold winters. Softneck garlic prefers warmer southern regions.

• Some varieties have been bred for enhanced cold hardiness. German Extra Hardy, Music, and Georgian Fire are excellent choices for cold climates.

Flavor Profile

• Softneck garlic is generally milder, while hardneck garlic has more bite and pungency.

• Within each group, flavors range from mellow and sweet to strong and spicy. Taste different varieties to find your favorites.

Storage Life

• Softneck garlic stores longer than hardneck. But hardneck cloves are easier to peel.

• Look for varieties noted for long storage like California Late and Lorz Italian softnecks.

Preparing Your Planting Area

Garlic thrives in loose, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Work aged manure or compost into your planting beds several weeks before planting. The soil should drain well to prevent bulbs from rotting over winter.

Garlic needs full sun – at least 6 hours per day. For continuous harvest, plant in different areas of the garden each year. Garlic left in place too long can harbor diseases.

How to Plant Garlic Sets

When: Plant garlic 4-6 weeks before your average first fall frost date. The soil temperature should be below 60°F.

Spacing: Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows 8-12 inches apart. Plant the cloves root side down, 2-3 inches deep.

Pre-Soaking (Optional): Some gardeners pre-soak cloves in water, seaweed solution or compost tea for enhanced growth. Change the water daily for 3-5 days before planting.

Fertilizing: Applying balanced organic fertilizer when planting will support vigorous growth. Side-dress with nitrogen in spring.

Mulching: After planting, mulch with 4-6 inches of straw or leaves. This insulates cloves through winter. Remove mulch in spring as shoots emerge.

Watering: Water the planting bed regularly until the ground freezes. Moisture is crucial for root establishment.

Growing Great Garlic

Vigilance is needed to keep weeds in check through spring and early summer. Fertilize again 4-6 weeks after spring growth begins. Side-dress each plant with 1 tablespoon of nitrogen-rich fertilizer, keeping it 6 inches away from stems.

Hardneck garlic sends up a flowering stalk called a scape in early summer. Remove scapes to encourage larger bulbs. But the mildly garlicky scapes are a tasty bonus! Sauté or use them in pesto.

Harvest Time

Garlic is ready for harvest when the bottom 3-4 leaves turn brown and tops start dying back. Carefully dig bulbs with a garden fork, keeping skins intact. Brush off soil and allow to dry in indirect sunlight for 2-4 weeks. Once fully cured, trim roots and stems to 1 inch. Store in mesh bags or baskets in a cool, dry spot. Enjoy fresh garlic for months to come!

Tips for Growing Great Garlic

• Test soil pH and amend as needed. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic pH of 6.2-6.8.

• Use disease-free planting stock. Purchase from reputable sources. Avoid planting grocery store garlic.

• Rotate planting sites to prevent disease buildup. Don’t plant where garlic or onions grew last year.

• Plant both softneck and hardneck varieties to enjoy different flavors.

• Interplant with herbs and flowers to deter pests. Companions include dill, chamomile, and cosmos.

• Mulch over winter for insulation and weed control. Remove in spring so soil can warm.

• Fertilize at planting and again in spring. Garlic is a heavy feeder.

• Water deeply and consistently while plants are actively growing. 1-2 inches per week.

• Harvest on a sunny day when the lower leaves yellow. Curing is vital for proper storage.

Recipes and Uses for Homegrown Garlic

Nothing beats the flavor of freshly harvested garlic. Here are some great ways to enjoy your homegrown garlic bounty:

• Roast whole bulbs in the oven drizzled with olive oil for a sweet and savory spread.

• Sauté sliced cloves in olive oil or butter as an aromatic base for countless dishes.

• Make classic aioli, blending roasted garlic cloves with olive oil, lemon juice and egg yolks.

• Stir chopped raw garlic into dressings, dips, marinades and sauces.

• Use garlic powder, granules or minced garlic in rubs, marinades and spice blends.

• Pickle raw cloves in vinegar brine for a tasty snack or condiment.

• Garnish pizzas, pastas and soups with sliced, freshly minced or roasted garlic.

• Dry extra bulbs by slicing and dehydrating for enjoyment all year long.

Choosing the Best Garlic for Fall Planting

With hundreds of garlic varieties to select from, it can be daunting deciding which are the best to plant. Here are some outstanding garlics to consider for fall planting:

Hardneck Garlic

• Music – Extremely hardy. Large, beautiful purple-striped bulbs with mild, nutty flavor. Stores about 5 months.

• Chesnok Red – Rich, complex flavor. Deep purple stripes. Stores 4-5 months. Cold hardy and high-yielding.

• Purple Glazer – Large bulbs with easy-to-peel purple stripes. Hot, spicy flavor mellows when roasted.

• Georgian Fire – A hot, spicy variety bred for winter hardiness. Stores 5 months.

• German Red – Large bulbs with bright red-purple wrappers. Savory rich flavor. Stores 5-7 months.

Softneck Garlic

• California Late – Very large, easy-peeling white bulbs. Bittersweet, lingering flavor. Stores up to 9 months.

• Lorz Italian – A mild, sweet variety that stores 8+ months. Long stems great for braiding.

• Inchelium Red- Large, vigorous bulbs with red-streaked wrappers. Nice balance of garlic bite and sweetness.

• Nootka Rose – Silverskin type with beautiful rose-amber wrappers. Mildly sweet flavor.

Garlic Planting and Growing Supplies

Having the right tools and supplies makes planting and growing garlic much easier. Here are some essentials:

• Garlic bulbs or individual cloves – Be sure to purchase disease-free sets from reputable sources. Avoid planting grocery store garlic.

• Balanced organic fertilizer – Essential for providing nutrients garlic needs to grow large bulbs. Choose a complete fertilizer like 5-5-5 or 10-10-10.

• Mulch – 4-6 inches of straw or leaves over planting beds prevents weeds and insulates cloves through winter.

• Row covers – These fabric covers prevent insect damage to emerging plants without heating soil like plastic. Remove at scape emergence.

• Garden fork or shovel – Essential for gently lifting mature bulbs at harvest without damaging.

• Mesh bags – Breathable bags allow air circulation for proper curing and long term storage.

• Gardening gloves & tools – Protect your hands during planting and digging. Make tasks easier.

• Garden journal – Record planting dates, varieties, harvest dates, and yields. Note successes and problems to improve next year.

Planting garlic sets in fall offers many advantages over spring planting. The earlier start allows bulbs to mature sooner and grow larger. Garlic’s need for winter chilling is satisfied, bringing out the best in terms of flavor. Just be sure to select varieties suited for your climate. Give garlic a spot in full sun with fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Keep plants weed-free and watered through the growing season. With some basic care, you can enjoy bountiful, beautiful garlic bulbs bursting with flavor and nutrition.