How to Grow the Biggest Garlic (Start Early)

[@NonieK2267]

My garlic has been in the fridge for 10 weeks. I’m in Arizona USA in the hot desert. We are zone 9B and my garlic does really well. I’m getting ready to plant it this week. Love your suggestions.❤

[@terricochran9457]

Thank you for covering the entire lifecycle of garlic in one video! I love growing garlic because it’s easy to grow and it tastes so much better than grocery garlic.

[@DrSuperfly020]

This is an absolutely amazing video. Please continue to make videos of this kind of quality. Not too short, not too long. Were in the same zone (zone 8), so I see myself subscribing to your channel. Thank you for the information!

[@GrowVeg]

I will do. Thanks so much for watching. :-)

[@nitemox]

About 10 years ago I popped about 20 cloves of garlic, that I bought at the grocer, into the ground in November. By mid may I had such lovely garlic. Been doing it ever since. Same garlic and I have no idea what type it is. It did produce scapes and I used to just throw them away. lol. Not anymore! Great tips! Love the channel!

[@karenritchie4952]

Hi ive bought elephant bulbs at market they really big ive planted them today

[@juliemcgugan1244]

I’ve never tasted elephant garlic before! Pls let us know what it is like, when you harvest! Best of luck!

[@karenritchie4952]

Hi bought from the green grocer very big dont know the name i will let u known

[@karenritchie4952]

Hi i will let u know

[@juliemcgugan1244]

@@karenritchie4952 How awesome that you get variety like this in your local grocery store! Ours is not so impressive, but I will keep a look out, in case they diversify one day!

[@marypheanis9165]

You are so fun. Can't believe you don't have a billion subs. God bless

[@buckaroobonsaitree7488]

Perfect timing mate, I'm preparing to plant my garlic, shallots, and walking onions today!

[@greenwayfilms1]

your awesome garlic rocks we grow 1000 cloves over here in new zealand thanks for your vid

[@GrowVeg]

That's a lot of garlic - lovely stuff!

[@CristalMermaid]

I live in zone 10 and we don’t get enough cold weather to grow garlic but I put mine in the fridge from September through November and then plant by the end of November or beginning of December. It is usually ready to harvest by April. 😊

[@melaniem5971]

The BEST garlic planting video! Today is my day - USA Zone 6B- 7A because of you! Thank you so much!

[@CMDRSloma]

The key to storing garlic is a warm, dry and dark place, this puts it into hibernation. I have one like this and even my hard neck stores well for a year or from harvest to harvest as long as bulbs are healthy and without any damage.

[@ageethsmoestuintje]

Nice to know, because this year (that's what I'm aiming for) I try to keep them stored until the next planting and to never have to buy garlic again. 🤞

[@PinkTulips07777]

I planted my garlic the end of October and I did just as you suggested. I was so happy I did it right 😀(thanks to your other videos ) I can’t wait to see the turn out this spring. Thank you for letting us know when to water and how NOT to over water. Big hug to you and the family Ben🤗

[@GrowVeg]

Glad you've got it all in the ground. Here's to a bumper harvest! :-)

[@Maggie-eq4cd]

Thanks, Ben. I have planted out three types of garlic in large grow bags. One variety is chesnok hardneck. They are covered with polytunnels. Well mulched, hopefully, this will ensure they won't be in soggy soil. I do have a ph moisture tester, so will check now and again. I just hope I have planted them at the right depth. Thank you again for all your advice and tips. Also, congratulations on the 100 million views. Maggie UK

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for your kind words. I hope your garlic grows well. :-)

[@paulmelton8669]

Great video, Ben. After some disappointingly small bulbs from my previous crop, I just planted my batch for next year. Hopefully, with all your useful tips, they'll grow nice and big this time.

[@MadForSucculents]

I got so excited when you said now is the time to plant them and I looked at the date and it was only 11 days ago you posted this! I am so excited to get some garlic and plant now!!!

[@GafferVinBob]

You really get me excited about gardening. Really appreciate the inspiration!

[@fionaharvey2720]

Ben you make the best videos! This one is superb! Thank you I’m further north than you are and I have my garlic in over a month ago! But I always learn something new for your videos thank you ☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@beverleyatkins5295]

I planted mine yesterday ❤in West Yorkshire. Bang on timing 😁

[@samturner8689]

Great vid. Just what I was looking for. Well curated advice about the crop and not the presenter. The bit about overwintering in the UK with leaf cover was just what I was after. Thanks.

[@GardeningwithFran]

Getting ours planted this week. One of my favorite things to grow!

[@melindaroth5796]

Excellent Teaching Brother 😊❤ Thank you so much for teaching us all ❤😊

[@MrSteen12]

One of the best videos on growing garlic, I have watched.

[@usewisdom2]

Indeed

[@barryroberts6470]

I'm planting mine this week along with my Onions. Thanks Ben for the video. TC. Barry (the Wirral)

[@simonysinclair7163]

Thanks for the great tip on keeping bulbs in the fridge! X

[@sushmakhajuria3135]

This is the best video about growing garlic. Thanks

[@mrx2817]

Thanks for video! I just finished construction on a new garden this morning and garlic will be my first crop!

[@looneygardener]

I cover my leaves with some old floating row cover, and hold it down on the sides with wooden stakes. Keeps the squirrels from digging around, maybe burying walnuts or other things.

[@Organickitchengardenonterrace]

Thank you for nice information of garlic and soil ❤❤

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

1:29, I used to tour with Bloodfish & Bonemeal back in the 70’s!

[@GrowVeg]

Haha, brilliant! :-)

[@ironmaiden3751]

Excellent timing on the video! Although in zone 5 I'm a bit late getting it in, will get right on that thank you again!

[@toniedalton5448]

We had severe rains early spring and lost both my garlic, onions and shallots . made me a bed out of an old tub. They are doing good so far A little trivia for you.I lived in Arizona for 22 years. Near the border of Mexico is a small town named Ajo. Who is Spanish for garlic. Grown extensively there. When you come into the town you smell garlic. Its wonderful. Used to have a big festival every year, but I've been gone for some time not sure. But their garlic is wonderful if you can find it. Have a blessed week

[@GrowVeg]

Glad your latest garlic are doing well Tonie. :-)

[@PacificGardening]

Perfect timing. Planting mine this weekend. 🧄

[@Greenpower-t9y]

I planted mine two weeks ago and they have already started growing

[@lightspeedwarrior1024]

I use holidays to remember the planting, fertilizing, and picking. Plant on halloween. Top dress with light compost around the Ides of March or St Patrick’s Day, Keep an eye out for picking starting around the 4th of July (at least here in the states). I started with labeled organic bulbs from the grocery store a fee years back and been picking the largest of the yield ever since. Better every year.

[@GrowVeg]

What a great way to remember key dates! :-)

[@stevenjohns7017]

I grow a ton of Garlic as always worried about those pesky Vampires! Great video +1.

[@Tangkhul_gardener]

I planted my garlic in September too. They are doing so well .

[@usewisdom2]

Thank you. That's the best easiest demo and explanations. I'll try again.

[@dustyflats3832]

As I mentioned in your survey the weather has been off the chart warm in Z5a, Wisconsin, US. Only a few days in October were normal and the rest above normal temp. Our first frost s/b 9/15 and it’s now 11/2 and planting today as frost didn’t arrive until October. If I planted according to frost date they would have been a foot tall. All the energy is lost and the bulbs struggle in spring. What I did last year was waited later to plant and covered with thick mulch and slowly pulled it off come spring. The garlic was nice sized. I did leave one scape and waited for it to curl and uncurl as I heard once it uncurls the bulbs are ready and found it to be true. Or just wait for lower 4 leaves or so to dry up.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Thank you Ben, most informative garden talk as always. Nothing like home grown garlic and other vegetables!! Great idea about garlic pesto, maybe add some cloves to the next batch of sweet basil pesto, it can only enhance the flavour, yumm. Have a beautiful day do take care. Kind regards.

[@danielvanveen6857]

Thanks for the amazing video's Ben. Just bought your book.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased - I hope you enjoy it. :-)

[@megank7235]

I've brought some elephant garlic - can't wait for it to grow!

[@bartcop2742]

I'd love to see a video like this but for onions if you have the time. UPDATE: I saw the link at the end of this video for growing onions. I will watch that next, thanks!

[@lilaclilly198]

Good Afternoon Ben. Excellent video, so informative. I have two questions. In early spring how often should I water my garlic? Like yourself I have topped my garlic with lots of leaves, should I leave or remove them in early spring? I grow local shop bought garlic. Two years running now. So far so good . Ben I enjoy all your videos, so down to earth and real. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience 🙏🏻 👏

[@GrowVeg]

I would consider removing some of the leaves in spring if they are still quite thick, to help the shoots push through. Water from spring if its dry - just poke a finger into the soil and if it's dry, water. :-)

[@lilaclilly198]

@ will do . 😊 thank you so much!

[@bewoodford2807]

Great, informative video. Thank you Ben. Happy growing 🙂

[@feemcdonald4423]

Listening from Australia, thank you for the fridge tip

[@minivandreamin1789]

I got your book in the mail today! I’m so excited!👩🏻‍🌾

[@GrowVeg]

Yey! Hope you enjoy it. :-)

[@logandihel]

I wish this video came out 3 weeks ago! I planted the day before our first frost, and my garlic has produced shoots about 12 inches tall already. I added a ton of leaves to protect from the winter, but we will see how it goes!

[@glamdring1354]

Top notch video, thanks! I got my garlic in the ground yesterday (zone 6b). Next up, shallots. I bought some sets thinking they are fall planted like garlic and onions, but now I’m not sure. A shallot video would be helpful for me!

[@GrowVeg]

Some are autumn planted. This article might help: www.growveg.co.uk/guides/getting-started-with-shallots/

[@jankerslake5813]

I live in West Wales and always plant my garlic at Halloween, Nick - seems appropriate and reminds me to do it! I had a good crop this year (and onions) so 🤞 for next year.

[@Nichtzukennen]

Garlic planted, now let's wait and see if they grow well!

[@michelleodonovan2696]

Saw this video pop up as i was looking for garlic videos! Fate 😊

[@looneygardener]

A great video as usual!

[@ladyjess3957]

👋😃hi ben, as i mentioned in other videos i grow everything in containers..less bugs and nasties except for frogs😂 my garlic is been growing over two months and doing great. im in zone 9 central texas. were having a very warm winter so my fall veggies are doing good. 65 degree nights and 80 degree average day temps. my spinach bolted but romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatos, peppers, and potatos doing good. i plan to use 3 mil plastic to cover my medium greenhouse. thank you my friend for your great videos, your a great teacher!!

[@GrowVeg]

That's a very warm fall so far. Great to get fall veggies off to a flying start I guess. :-)

[@pecivilwaterandenvior8318]

Excelelnt Video. Lot to learns

[@karenritchie4952]

Hi ben its -2today and im planting my elephant garlics today im putting in my flower pots as they make more room for me to plant over my allotment

[@GrowVeg]

Great to get them planted - good job! :-)

[@karenritchie4952]

@GrowVeg hi ben ive done the way you said the have only been in the fridge hopfully the cold should help them grow

[@ucapanlebaran1444]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@kleineroteHex]

usually my garlic is planted by now, but we had unusually warm days, my dahlias are still blooming - they need to come out so I can put the garlic in :)

[@hevchip741]

Now I know why I get small bulbs, they need the cold. SE uk doesn't get cold enough.

[@FifiVanTonder]

Don't think it needs to be freezing cold. We plant in South Africa in the very warm climate. Remember to cover with mulch after planting and again in spring

[@pattyfischer396]

Thanks, I learned a lot from this video.❤

[@AlbuquerqueBandit]

I'll catch you next time too. Love you bro

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers matey! :-)

[@FHRider-o1m]

Aha brilliant 👍 Wondered why my garlic was a bit small!

[@maninashed9367]

Plant garlic 3w after the first frost date. We're still waiting for a first frost and it's November 4th lol.

[@FifiVanTonder]

You don't need the frost directly after planting. If the frost is late thst is also ok

[@emmakavanagh3485]

I believe we are in the same area Ben. Great video. Was thinking about starting some garlic in pots, in my greenhouse this weekend. Would I need to put them in the fridge for 10 first though?

[@GrowVeg]

No, you'd be fine to start them in pots and keep them in the greenhouse, no need to refrigerate first. :-)

[@emmakavanagh3485]

@ thank you! 😃

[@nittychamcheon6419]

Hi Ben, love your channel and have been watching it for sometime. Could I plant garlic in a trough

[@GrowVeg]

Yes you could certainly plant it in a trough. As you're in London you'd be in zone 8 like me.

[@nejcpilih]

According to the list, zones 9-10 you should plant in November, start of December. Can it be confirmed? I live in the south of Italy (Salerno). Or better to put them in the fridge? Can they be then out in the fridge anytime from now till January or is there any cut off when fridge can't be used anymore? 😊

[@GrowVeg]

I reckon you'd be find to plant them outside as they are in November or start of December as there should still be a bit of colder weather to help them on their way. But if in doubt, buy them now and put them in the fridge until you plant in early December.

[@Sylvie_M]

I grow garlic in Zone 3 where the soil freezes to 4-6 ft below the surface and my hardneck garlic is never harmed by the frost.

[@GrowVeg]

That's reassuring to hear.

[@Janna-vdP]

I'm not planting it this year. Three years in a row it failed, I give up lol.

[@GrowVeg]

I'm so sorry to read this. :-(

[@annagriffiths717]

Planted mine yesterday 🤗🧄🤞🏻

[@Dashdecent]

Oh dear. I put mine in a month ago. Too keen as usual.

[@toniedalton5448]

One other thing. I take off all the little seeds on the bulbs and leave them in the soil . They make more garlic

[@lanceolshovsky2093]

I live in Southeast Texas (Zone 9) and plan to grow these in 10lb growing bags. On the occasion we have a freeze, should I bring the entire bag into the garage to prevent freezing, or let them stay outdoors? THANK YOU!!!

[@GrowVeg]

Just leave them outside, they'll be fine. :-)

[@SomeOneHigh]

THIS IS MISSLEADING " START EARLY " how much EARLIER , since it Needs More than 6 months to grow 😂😂😂 But its a Good Think to have that page covered ❤❤❤

[@larainetott]

I have been wanting to grow garlic a few years now. My main worry is our dog eating is as she rummages in the garden. I did try in large plant pots but she can still reach . Will try again this year

[@grahambolton3428]

Is a comfrey feed good for garlic ben please ?

[@GrowVeg]

I would think it would be a good, general feed to give garlic once the growing season is underway, yes. :-)

[@darenpelletier3]

Please do a video on your grass!

[@AM4N18]

So now would be the right time to be planting in the UK then? I have Solent Wight to give a go and it'll be my first time, I'm going to have a go at putting them in grow bags as our soil is poor. With this weekend being a washout, is there a rush to plant them that I need to be mindful of? Thanks

[@GrowVeg]

You could plant them until the end of November, no problem.

[@AM4N18]

@@GrowVeg Thank you, look forward to trying something new! I enjoy your videos, I am fairly new to them.

[@christophermee5214]

Plant a small clove and you will get a small bulb. Plant a big clove you will get a big bulb.

[@davidday2014]

I love garlic!

[@SteviesAllotmentGarden]

Hi Ben great tips thank U, I can't find the link for the book tho can U please let me kno how to find it, thx Stevie

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Stevie. Here you go, here's the link: www.growveg.com/garden-planner-ben.aspx?yt=true

[@SteviesAllotmentGarden]

​@@GrowVegthx Ben

[@michaelsedor6807]

8:31 I used wood mulch instead of leaves. Do you think that will be alright? This is my first year growing garlic. Zone 6b

[@GrowVeg]

If the wood mulch isn't mixed in with the soil (which could rob the soil of nitrogen) then yes, this should be fine.

[@sparkstechnology]

This is one of my next jobs in the garden, would you recommend buying bulbs from the supermarket to plant or is there a risk of less growth due to the possibility of not knowing what they have been sprayed or treated with?

[@GrowVeg]

Bulbs from the supermarket may not be suited to your climate and may not thrive as well as bulbs bought specifically for planting. They will likely grow, but not give as big bulbs.

[@sparkstechnology]

@GrowVeg I thought so, I've heard from work colleagues who do this have had no issues but I never asked them about size. Being in Wales I'm pretty sure our climate is just wet. 😂

[@jamieb2327]

Can anyone recommend a hard neck variety that I can plant out in north west England in December please ?

[@GrowVeg]

Something like Carcasonne Wight would be great. Other suggestions here: www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/collections/hardneck-garlic

[@jamieb2327]

@@GrowVegthanks so much

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

I am trying garlic for the first time this year,fifty six years of gardening. I have a question I have four different hard neck varieties and one elephant. I have some sprouts in all but one variety,is it normal for one variety to be that far behind? Raised bed with a mix of blood meal and bone meal topped of with nice black compost and mulched. Up state NY.thank you!

[@bertarnoldo5199]

It is normal, a lot of varieties grow differently due to the environment they usually grow in. I had a variety do the same thing, just because it wasn’t well suited to my climate

[@GrowVeg]

Some varieties may grow at a slower pace initially, so there may be a lag. Not all garlic grow at the same pace. :-)

[@pandasoxx5900]

Can you use store bought garlic?

[@GrowVeg]

You could, but the results will be hit and miss and it is unlikely the bulbs will get to a good size.

[@froginprogress8510]

My garlic has been outside in a container for a while. Noticed water in the container yesterday. All the cloves have roots🙁

[@nittychamcheon6419]

And I am in North West London. what zone am I?

[@Steve-dp5ky]

Good evening all... I planted a load of garlic a month or so ago. They grew away really well, yet today I noticed that they are covered in rust !! I have never seen rust this early, only in late Spring / early Summer when they are nearly ready to harvest. Is my crop already lost, or can I just remove all rust leaves and hope they grow ? It is so disappointing, as garlic is always my best and easiest crop that is safe from pests and diseases. Thank you for any advice.

[@bertarnoldo5199]

You more than likely either have a large population of the rust already in your soil and it’s not cold enough for it to be dormant, or you got a bad batch of garlic and it was covered

[@GrowVeg]

I've not seen this happen so early on before. It may be that the winter cold helps to quash the rust. But I suspect this may compromise the crop and it may be worth restarting in a new area with fresh cloves from a trusted supplier. Sorry.

[@reer5340]

4:40 so the flat bit facing downwards and the pointy end facing upwards, so pay attention so you don't have the bottom bit and pointy end both facing downwards 🤣

[@Gardeninglife-f4g]

Which country does Ben live

[@Ollybus]

UK

[@Gardeninglife-f4g]

I live in the uk too

[@kaaylaskorner]

Couldn't find the link to download. :- (

[@GrowVeg]

Here's the link. Reply with a new comment if it doesn't work for any reason: www.growveg.com/garden-planner-ben.aspx?yt=true

[@stevenwright3800]

Plant your garlic after the first frost so it does not come up before it should.

[@MBEspinosa]

Me tengo que acordar para el mes de marzo del 2025. Gracias!

[@christophermee5214]

😂😂 how did your square pots turn into round pots when you planted them out.

[@GrowVeg]

The magic of video editing!

[@yaboicowboi578]

1:38 Does enough stink? Sorry, not quite getting the British slang 😅

[@GrowVeg]

'Doesn't half stink' - as in it stinks pretty bad! :-)

[@yaboicowboi578]

@ ohhh, thank you for clearing that up! I’ll have to remember that lol

[@pgl0897]

Your other garlic video suggests about an inch of soil above the point and here you’re saying 4 inches… why the big difference??

[@GrowVeg]

I think maybe there was some confusion in the delivery of it. I do mean 4 inches of soil above the tip - that is best.

[@pgl0897]

@ thanks so much for your reply. Absolute beginner here who is hoping it’s not too late to get some garlic planted in pots tomorrow! Your vids were really helpful.

[@lauraconnolly5897]

In Poole, Dorset and if I ever use fish blood and bone meal the foxes come and dig messing up my bed.

[@GrowVeg]

I've had that problem in the past too.

[@OddoFelacio]

already in the ground guess im extra early

[@vsznry]

Do all the Garden KZbinrs coordinate this? lol #SelfSufficientMe #EpicGardening

[@dustyflats3832]

I’ve noticed certain ones that have a large amount of subscribers are introducing themselves to each other and collaborating. Guessing to get richer quicker.

[@keithfreeman7725]

It is the time to plant garlic

[@GrowVeg]

Great minds think alike! :-)

[@Hikeswithmilo]

Doesn't half stink? Again with the made up British yak

[@Ollybus]

Sorry Ben, but I absolutely DETEST garlic. I can smell and taste even the slightest amount in any dish. I can smell it on people 3 or 4 days after they’ve eaten it. It turns my stomach over, it’s so horrible. Having said that, my children love it! So I do grow some for them, but they have to use it in food I’m not going to eat and then they need to eat it when I’m not around. The windows have to be opened whilst they cook it with the extractor on fully and then use 1 or 2 incense sticks afterward to eliminate the lingering smell that I can detect throughout the house!

[@Sara-xc9xo]

Perhaps youre part vampire? 😉

[@GrowVeg]

I'm glad your children love it. It is terribly good for you! ;-)

[@lonestarhog7407]

I hate garlic...so...there! 🤮