Hard neck garlic planting horizon - Ask Extension
Is it too late to plant hard neck garlic in a raised bed in my location? Im pretty sure it’s long gone. Though a friend is insisting otherwise. I’...
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Hard neck garlic planting horizon #816681
Asked November 19, 2022, 7:56 AM EST
Is it too late to plant hard neck garlic in a raised bed in my location? Im pretty sure it’s long gone. Though a friend is insisting otherwise. I’m at 800 feet on South Mountain, zone 6b. Our first hard freeze was 3 weeks ago. When should it have been planted, some time in October? I’m hoping to plant next Fall. Thanks for your guidance! Lisa Tatum
Washington County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi-
For your location, we would recommend planting garlic from late September through mid-October.
A good harvest in early summer depends on strong root establishment of the planted cloves in fall. To plant now, you would have to wait until the soil is loose enough to work (maybe later this week?) and we'd have to have mild winter weather that would allow the cloves to sprout and grow some roots. This would be unlikely. If you want to go for it anyway, we suggest that after planting you cover the soil with straw or tree leaves and cover the bed with a row cover to increase soil temperatures a bit.
Jon
For your location, we would recommend planting garlic from late September through mid-October.
A good harvest in early summer depends on strong root establishment of the planted cloves in fall. To plant now, you would have to wait until the soil is loose enough to work (maybe later this week?) and we'd have to have mild winter weather that would allow the cloves to sprout and grow some roots. This would be unlikely. If you want to go for it anyway, we suggest that after planting you cover the soil with straw or tree leaves and cover the bed with a row cover to increase soil temperatures a bit.
Jon
Thank you for your very complete response to my question Jon. I'll share your answer with my neighbor who's clearly started her hard necks too late. My family has relied on the University of Maryland Extension since I was a child and you are still the go to for the best science and understanding.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa
Thanks for your support! Happy Thanksgiving.
Jon
Jon
