How to Grow Garlic - COMPLETE GUIDE (Planting to Harvest)

Plant garlic, harvest garlic, repeat. Gardener Scott shows a full year in the garden with all of the steps to grow garlic. From putting garlic cloves in soil, looking for clues to when to harvest garlic, to saving bulbs for future planting, each step is demonstrated. (Video #205)
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[@ritastahl6427]

Thanks for such a comprehensive video! I’ve watched a zillion vids but never have the questions i have answered! And I never know when to harvest, what to look for, what the plant should like when it’s ready, etc. Your step by step from beginning to end is exactly what I needed! Thanks so much! I appreciate it, so I subscribed!

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Rita. Welcome to the channel!

[@gordpeet1323]

Hi there ... I came across your video and found it to be a great tutorial on garlic. Thank you. We tried to start a small garlic patch last fall. We totally messed up by planting the full heads! It is now August and the scapes are huge. Can I salvage these garlic heads and replant them this year? Thank you.

[@BeastlyBen007]

Your the bob Ross of gardening 😂

[@npast1]

I agree. I've been planting garlic, but I am still learning so much from this video. I just realized that I was not watering my garlic in late October , before the snow comes, and looks like I should have done it. Also, it is nice to see that the garlic in this video grows through the mulch in fall, but survives through the Winter. I always felt very uneasy if I saw the signs of my garlic growing through the mulch before the snow arrives. Sometimes we have very harsh winters with temperature -10 degrees F and strong cold winds, so I still will aim for the young garlic shoots to stay under the mulch when the snows comes. lastly, really appreciate attention to the detail, and being thorough. Devil is in the detail, sometimes little things make all the difference.

[@ronaldrenaud5055]

@@GardenerScott ₩

[@naturegirl2873]

Who else wishes this gentleman was their neighbor? Great teacher!

[@marcusgrimmm]

Obviously the one dislike is from a vampire, who else would thumb down a video on growing garlic.

[@juneshannon8074]

EarthBoundMisfit313 excellent comment, lol.

[@oysterman2517]

LOL. Golden.

[@RexySmith]

😂😂😂😂😂👌

[@yesicanu]

They're multiplying (3), did everyone take notes??

[@mainaccount6978]

@@juneshannon8074 good experience and skills thank you

[@celyr9505]

I feel like I’m watching Mr Rogers for adults, and I mean this as a compliment. Your tone, your great explanation, soothing, entertaining, informative. I love to watch and learn even when my zone is 9b. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!

[@starjasmine1260]

,d

[@shineyrocks390]

Could you be mine, would you be mine, won't you be my neighbor? 🥰🤗 I was just thinking he sounds like Mr Rogers.

[@ThasJusCuzz]

I get Bob Ross vibes.

[@kimpozo3514]

I think he's new Bob Ross to plants. I'd like see him do cannibus utube growing next

[@tracycrider7778]

@@ThasJusCuzz definitely!

[@nokim1]

Wow. I think you’re my new favorite KZbin Gardener. I love your delivery style. You come across calm, mature, passionate, organized, thorough, very intelligent, knowledgeable, humble, & generous. So kind. Thank you.

[@AuntNutmeg]

Thank you so much for taking the time to show the entire 9 month process. It's very helpful for us first-time garlic growers! ❤❤

[@dianneb208]

I have been growing garlic for almost 3 decades - and family grows it commercially. For hard neck varieties you want to remove the scapes when they complete their first curl. The developing seed takes energy from the bulb. I did a comparison one year and the bulbs were 30% smaller when the scape was allowed to develop into seed. Perhaps this is a regional thing, but we harvest garlic when the lower two leaves are dying. Long before when you did. At that time, the bulb is no longer developing and the paper wraps will disintegrate in the soil - leaving less protection during storage.

[@roberttillotson6861]

Dianne, I agree. Do you cure them by hanging in shaded area for a couple weeks before cutting off stems?

[@dianneb208]

@@roberttillotson6861 Yes I do! I am not in a hurry to trim the roots or stems. I think its better to let it happen naturally. I get a good seal at the top of the bulb. My garlic from July is starting to sprout now - I keep it in a vented cold storage room.

[@56COLWOOD]

Why can't you leave the seed growing on top and plant this? Like winter onuons?

[@marywoolsey1216]

Dianne B: thanks for your comment! This was my first season growing garlic. I was thrilled that of the 25 cloves I planted I got 25 heads! I watched the plants like a hawk, trying to make sure I harvested at the right time. I picked a couple too soon (paper hadn’t developed fully) and a couple too late (paper starting to disintegrate). Of course, they made their way into the kitchen but I could definitely see how important it was to get it out at the right time so it would store the best. I’m Zone 5B and the ones that turned out just right were dug when there were 3-4 dead lower leaves. I’d also read to cut the scapes when small, which I did. It makes sense that leaving them to grow will affect the size of the heads. I’m excited to be able to plant some of the cloves from my larger heads and have another crop next summer!

[@dianneb208]

@@marywoolsey1216 Congrats and happy gardening.

[@DKuzzin]

Never thought about writing on the bulbs! Brilliant!

[@paintingtracey]

You're the best Gardener Scott! What would we do without you?

[@pamelaremme38]

I also leave my stalks about 4 inches this prevents any air getting to the bulb when storing. Also I dry in a well ventilated garage for about 2 weeks. I live near a garlic farmer and he has shelves with screen in his garage filled with drying garlic during harvest season.

[@duhaimap1]

Nice video. Explains perfectly what everyone needs to know from start to finish. Thanks for a concise no BS educational presentation.

[@orthnielgumbs4550]

A

[@LLAMA-LLAMA]

I just watched this again as a refresher and I can’t believe how much has changed in your garden over the last few years! These videos are great time capsules. Thank you for all of the great detailed information!

[@richm5889]

You said to let them dry for a couple of days and then cut off the stalks and clean them. You mentioned later that they'll store well for two to three months so you can replant, and I assume they'll also store much longer for those you take to the kitchen. If you leave the stalks on and let them cure for three or four weeks the garlic will store for maximum length of time. You'll be eating garlic anywhere from 6 to 10 months after harvest depending on the variety.

[@GardenerScott]

They will last for months longer. Soft neck varieties will last longer than hard neck.

[@andrewkuhar1189]

I planted my garlic last fall, following pretty similar methods if not exactly, and found this as I'm starting to consider what to look for this summer when we harvest them. Really great resource for reviewing all the nuances at every stage. Well explained, well spoken, and well edited in the logical order of questions I've had along the way.

[@sonjaflores6831]

Thank you. I should've watched this before planting mine.

[@phyllislucia]

Hang it up in bunches with the stalks on for a couple weeks until it's completely dry. Then cut the stalks off. It stores longer if completely dry before cutting the stalks off.

[@YouShotMyRobot]

This was so helpful! I learned so much. I had a random thought of wanting to grow my own garlic, did a search and your video popped up, and now I’m very excited to start when the time is right!

[@biretta3000ify]

Excellent education on garlic growing. No other video gave such comprehensive info.

[@zackcollins1281]

We just got it in at work and gonna try it in a 5 gallon bucket:):)

[@Rainman97x]

I grew garlic in 3 gallon buckets with 4" spacing, 7 per bucket, and they got root bound and grew small bulbs. A 5 gallon is going to have more root room, but a 6" spacing is probably still necessary, which would make it 3-4 plants per bucket.

[@blakefrank9729]

Bob Ross vibes and I’m here for it

[@RexySmith]

I just think these garlic flowers on these long stems look so cool. 😄

[@frankdilaura5712]

THANK YOU, Gardner Scott for one of the most complete & comprehensive one-view GARLIC videos on You Tube. As a USA Zone 13 / AZ Desert Southwest Gardner I face a few challenges you did not address. I think some of your viewers that face some of the same challenges as I do might want to consider a few GARLIC WARM WEATHER TIPS ..... SUCH AS .... delay planting until the soil temps drop below 90 degrees .... try Vernalization (put the bulb(s) in a paper bag and leave them in the refrigerator for +30 days before planting) .... briefly pre-soak the bulbs in 10% bleach / water solution to kill mites .... plant the cloves deeper (up to 6 inches) to facilitate lower soil temps / a longer growing cycle .... re-mulch as the spring temps begin to rise and warms the soil (to keep soil temps down & lengthen the bulbs growing period) shortening the bulb production .... some of the soft neck varieties grow better in warmer climates (Thermadrone, Lorz Italian, Silverskin, etc.) and some of the hard neck varieties also do well in warm climates (Siberian, Georgian Crystal, Romanian Red, etc.). Thanks again. :)

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks for the tips, Frank. It can be very difficult growing garlic in zones warmer than 8.

[@debrajones7349]

I loved this full cycle tutorial with all the steps in one video! Thank you so much.

[@MayasLunchbox]

The best “how to grow garlic” video ever👍🏻👍🏻

[@davefroman4700]

Go through your garlic patch and pull half the scapes and leave the other half for each variety. You will be surprised the difference it makes in the yield from each at the end of the year Scott. Putting all that energy into the scape reduces the size of the bulb you will end up with and the amount of cloves per bulb I found as well.

[@a.racetiffany2966]

What are scapes

[@carolschedler3832]

@@a.racetiffany2966 scapes are the seed stem of garlic. They appear in early summer here (zone 6a) and are curled at first, then they shoot up straight with a seed head at the top. You can see the scapes right in this video. He left them just so you could see what they look like. Happy gardening,! ❤

[@SuperMichelleDJ]

I love having my own homegrown food! It's heaps better than store bought and I don't have to go to the shops as much. I also like to get food from the organic fruit markets which you can save some of the sprouts and shoots and re-grow them.

[@violetofthevalley]

Thanks, Scott! If you ever get a chance I would love to know the process for planting those garlic seeds as well. :)

[@tracycrider7778]

Definitely! & corms too!

[@colb1416]

Hello and thank you from North East England. I'll be planting my garlic today. White Casablanca and solent white. I've never grown garlic before and I will be planting in containers. 50 years old and my gardening life starts now. Thank you again.

[@thembamabuya2795]

Clear explanation and crop description. By the look of things, you don’t need hectares of land to grow garlic and other crops unless you’ll want to go commercial. I am impressed.

[@georgestancliffe9204]

Thanks Gardener Scott. You're the best!

[@aruproychoudhury2847]

Excellent video Gardener Scott, a lot of effort and thought must have gone into producing this. I’m growing two varieties of soft neck garlic for the first time and will refer back to this resource. Good to know not to attempt to grow damaged bulbs, very helpful. Best wishes Roy from London, UK

[@jwstanley2645]

Thanks for the great video, and a good concept to focus on one plant, over its garden cycle.

[@kimiyemlsmallgardendream8115]

Time to plant the garlic!!❤️

[@matthewcunningham8691]

Great video with super ideas, many thanks. I had a successful crop this year - tastes so much better than store bought garlic :-)

[@denisemiller8620]

Thanks for the step by step guide to growing garlic. It's because of your videos I am going to be planting garlic this fall.

[@TheBiancaBrits]

Thank you for explaining everything in so much detail :)

[@jessicajackson9164]

What an excellent video on garlic. Thank you gardener Scott!

[@lkhfun6575]

Thanks GS! I am going to try garlic this year.

[@StormCaller5]

A lot went into putting together this video. Thank you so much. Definitely saving this one.

[@diablo55]

thank you for this! i took notes and i’m ready to plant for the first time in october!

[@ccccclark2605]

The BEST most through video! Ty!

[@nancyfleming493]

Beautifully explained ,in every detail ,thank you so much.

[@anchorageprepper9008]

Great explanation and visuals. Thank you!

[@isabelladavis1363]

On my list this year ,thank you for all of the information and you time...stay blessed

[@Yankeesista203]

Thank you again Gardener Scott! Here for a refresher! My containers have been amended, sat for at least a month, got my garlic and the planting day is today!Blessings

[@kevinferris4065]

Fantastic video, very informative. Thank you Scott!!

[@GriffinC507]

EXACTLY what I was looking for!! Step by step on how to grow garlic! Excellent video!!

[@brittmyzone8agarden]

I’m trying garlic and shallots for the first time this year. So glad you made this video as I’ve been trying to get things setup for when my orders arrive

[@dorianmclean6755]

Thank you ...this was so perfectly timed for me and answered all my questions.

[@mmm70]

Excellent and very timely video. Thank you so much. I'll be prepared in October.

[@rebeccazody1278]

I have had my garlic bulbs for about a month waiting for the right time. I am zone 5 also, so now is the time. Yay🎉. Thank you Scott!

[@sandraoconnor5700]

So very clear and always so helpful

[@stevemiller5626]

Best video on KZbin for this. Thanks

[@kathypope3010]

Thanks again for another great video. I love to see the full cycle. I've never grown garlic, but I am ordering some today.

[@highlandscommunityclub1160]

Every once in a while I MUST have something useful I see you use. This time it’s the measurement trowel!! Thank you!

[@outdoorsmom2000]

I really liked this video, very informative and to the point. Thank you!

[@juneritchie2498]

Thanks! This full cycle tutorial is very helpful. In particular, it helped me identify a couple simple errors I made last year. Looking forward to potentially better returns this next season.

[@LeverActionLarry]

This is so helpful. I love coming back to your videos as a reference. You are the best, GS!

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

Excellent garlic growing guide!

[@GinxHorne]

Thank you Gardener Scott. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Garlic...all the way over here in South Africa! God bless you

[@jeannie8050]

Great video. Thank you! Now I just have to find garlic to plant to have my first crop!

[@maenilalenpuii7745]

Lots of thanks to your shared knowledge, that, now, 'am prepared to resow garlic with full know how.

[@janicejurgensen2122]

What an awesome tutorial!! Thank you, I’ve been dying to ask some one questions looking for answers u gave us all!! Can’t wait until the fall. A bit late!

[@erinboettge8733]

This is amazing! Thanks, Scott! So informative and I actually feel ready to grow now!

[@sheri1237]

Wonderful video! Thank you. i have never saw a video that went through the entire process and found yours to be very helpful. i have had a garden for decades but for some reason was intimidated by garlic. lol. you make me believe i can be successful and will go buy some to plant this fall. thanks again.

[@Rainman97x]

I just planted garlic, though it's a month early here in East Tennessee. I'm planting Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec, and I'll just see what happens. Last year, I planted garlic in 3 gallon buckets, 4" spacing. They got root bound and produced small bulbs. I'm cooking with them, and they taste great, but they need more room to grow. This year, I'm putting them in following a no-dig bed that I made with potatoes under a leaf/grass mulch. The mulch is now a rich, black compost, so I scraped it up, put some used container mix down on top of fresh cardboard, and put the compost on top for a 6" thick bed. I'm also spacing the bulbs at 6", and covering with shredded leaves. Hopefully I get proper bulbs, and can replant some next year. I will probably do another no-dig potato bed the same way to prep a new spot for garlic.

[@pshngo]

Planted mine Oct 31 in east tennessee. They are huge right now!

[@yesicanu]

First time viewer here that's never grown garlic. I now have full confidence that I can. This goes in the gardening playlist for future reference. Thank you!

[@RosalineWijangco]

This is such a highly informative video. It will be very helpful for beginner gardeners like me especially because I’m planning to plant garlic in our farm. Thank you so much for all your efforts to provide helpful tips & guidance for striving gardeners like me. God bless ☺️😊😘🙏🙏🙏

[@dorang5156]

Thank you so much to spend so much time making this comprehensive video. I learn a lot from you

[@christinashawgo6510]

So much information. Thank you so much

[@paulapatterson4301]

Thanks so much, very comprehensive.

[@ruchikalaherath2228]

Thank you for shairing this video .

[@isabelladavis1363]

very thorough ...much information! its almost time to put all of this into action...enjoyed all of these videos

[@guantor6752]

I was waiting for this video thank you

[@carolynstreet5325]

Such concise information. Thank you.

[@chefdepunjab8965]

A fountain of knowledge & experience to us novice gardeners, an inspiration to the nervous nellies - you nail every guide spot on. Look to your channel for advice before any gardening project here in Canada Thanks & keep on trucking

[@ronniebrace2917]

Helpful video, thanks!

[@mattriley8828]

Hello Gardner Scott 👋 Thank You for helping us 🙏

[@lynnlovessoil]

Thanks for the great advice. This is very helpful. I ordered two kinds of softnecks and will be growing garlic for the first time.

[@acrad7187]

Fantastic video! So clear and easy- thank you!

[@MrsLiz]

Such a helpful and complete lesson in garlic growing sir, thank you soooo much!😎✌🌻🇺🇸

[@janicejurgensen2122]

As always fantastic! You answered all my questions and more. BTW I just received the garlic you recommended and will be following your advice to the letter!! Thank you and much appreciated!!

[@shoequeen113]

I really enjoyed listening to your explanation of growing garlic. You have a beautiful gift of telling a story and giving great instructions. Implanting my garlic soon and I feel confident that I know how to do it.

[@monicam.8006]

Hi G.S. Thanks for the video. I have a suggestion for something fun you can do with your grandkids and garlic. Don't cut the stems, but keep them long and braid them together to form a garlic braid. Then you can hang the garlic braid up in your kitchen (it lasts several months) and re-plant the garlic when you're ready. It doesn't take up any space in your basement and looks great in your kitchen. You can even unbraid the garlic one at a time to use it in your cooking. It's something that's a lot of fun to do with young kids.

[@GardenerScott]

Great idea, Monica. I wanted to do a video on garlic braiding this year, but I ended up growing mostly hardneck varieties. I hope to do it next year. Thanks.

[@emmacampbell3719]

Very informative. Thanks much.

[@katjoy9921]

Great video as always.

[@naturegirl2873]

Wow! This is the best video I've come across on how to plant garlic. Answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@MsFreethepeople]

You're excellent at what you do. I watched several garlic videos but I actually enjoyed learning from this one! Great work...Thanks

[@aliciatorres8930]

Great info! Thank you so much!

[@islynmercurius3338]

I have learned a lot about planting garlic.thanks the way to prepare the soil before I plant I am living in Amelia's Ward linden town Guyana south America a warm country thanks for sharing my friend 😊 let us keep planting 😊 I will share with my friends and family thanks 👍

[@Joestacemazjojo]

Very informative! Thank you

[@marybelmaldonado4782]

Excellent. Wish i had you as my gardener.😊

[@syedimam5541]

Beautiful teaching,

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Thank you !! Great teacher👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@susanjordan2130]

Thank you. I enjoy all your videos. You are an excellent teacher. All your students were lucky to have had you for thier teacher.

[@thuthiehiker]

Loved this.

[@kleenkitchen]

wow the garden on the background is so beautiful. It is nice to grow your own food and spices and this video is so helpful.

[@DonBlomdahlHOF]

Nice really learned a lot about growing garlic thank you very much

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

This mad me happy.

[@ijahdagang6121]

Nice tutorial...thank you for sharing...