Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic is one of the easiest allotment crops to grow, needing minimal attention between planting and harvest. Autumn planting (October–November) is preferred in the UK, as garlic needs a period of cold to trigger bulb development — a process called vernalisation. Split a bulb into individual cloves and push each one into the soil, pointed end up, 5cm deep and 15cm apart. Choose varieties sold for planting rather than supermarket garlic, which may carry disease and isn't adapted to UK conditions. 'Solent Wight' is a reliable softneck variety that stores well; 'Lautrec Wight' is a hardneck type with a more complex flavour. Harvest in June–July when the lower leaves start to yellow but the upper ones are still green. Dry thoroughly before storing — softneck varieties can be plaited and hung. Don't water heavily once the bulbs are sizing up.
Plan where to grow Garlic using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Garlic
Plant garlic in October, November, February, March.
Time to Harvest Garlic
Expect to harvest approximately 8 months after planting, usually from June to August.
Companion Plants for Garlic
- Alpine Strawberry
Garlic is traditionally grown among strawberries, its scent thought to help deter some pests, and its narrow leaves cast little shade.
- Rose
Garlic has long been planted under roses in the belief its scent deters aphids and helps against blackspot, though evidence is anecdotal.
- June-bearing Strawberry
Garlic is traditionally grown among strawberries, its scent thought to help deter some pests, and its narrow leaves cast little shade.
- Everbearing Strawberry
Garlic is traditionally grown among strawberries, its scent thought to help deter some pests, and its narrow leaves cast little shade.
Avoid growing garlic near
- Broad beans: Alliums and beans are traditionally kept apart, as the beans are said to grow less well beside onion-family crops.
- Peas: Peas are traditionally kept away from the onion family, as they are said to be checked by growing alongside.
Expected Yield
Each clove produces one bulb; a bulb contains 8–12 cloves to replant.
Growing Tips
Plant cloves with pointed end up
Common Problems with Garlic
Rust
Orange pustules appear on the leaves, typically from late spring onwards, gradually weakening the foliage. Remove the most heavily affected leaves and destroy them (don't compost). In most cases, rust doesn't significantly affect the bulb beneath — the harvest is still perfectly usable. Improving air circulation between plants and avoiding overhead watering helps reduce severity.
White rot
A devastating soil-borne fungus that produces fluffy white mould at the base of the bulb, causing plants to yellow and die. There is no chemical cure and the spores persist in the soil for 15–20 years. If white rot appears, avoid planting any alliums (garlic, onions, leeks) in the affected area for at least 8 years and be meticulous about cleaning tools and boots to prevent spreading contaminated soil.
Small bulbs
Undersized garlic bulbs are usually caused by late planting (missing the cold period needed for proper bulb development), dry soil in spring when bulbs are actively growing, or lifting too early. Plant cloves in October–November for the best results, keep soil moist (but not waterlogged) through spring, and don't harvest until the lower leaves have yellowed but the upper ones are still green.
Garlic: common questions
When should I plant garlic in the UK?
Plant garlic in February–March and October–November.
How far apart should I plant garlic?
Space garlic about 15cm apart. It grows to around 60cm tall.
When is garlic ready to harvest?
In the UK, garlic is usually harvested from June to August. It's ready about 8 months after planting.
Does garlic come back every year?
Not in a typical UK garden. Garlic is a perennial in warmer climates but is killed by frost here, so it's grown as an annual and started again each year.
What grows well with garlic?
Good companions for garlic include Alpine Strawberry, Rose, June-bearing Strawberry and Everbearing Strawberry. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near garlic?
Avoid broad beans: alliums and beans are traditionally kept apart, as the beans are said to grow less well beside onion-family crops. Avoid peas: peas are traditionally kept away from the onion family, as they are said to be checked by growing alongside.
Is garlic frost hardy?
Yes. Garlic is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
What crop rotation group is garlic in?
Garlic belongs in the alliums group for crop rotation. Grow it in a different bed each year, alongside other alliums, so pests and diseases don't build up in the soil.
Garlic guides
Plan your garlic in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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