Can You Plant Garlic in the Spring?
Yes, you can! While fall-planted garlic has more time to develop strong roots before winter, spring-planted garlic can still produce beautiful bulbs (they will be just a bit smaller) —especially when using the right techniques. The key is to act fast once the ground is workable.
How to Plant Garlic in Spring
- Choose the Right Garlic Variety
- Hardneck garlic varieties (like Red Russian or Music) tend to do best in cold climates like Lamont County, Alberta (Zone 3b). They may produce slightly smaller bulbs when planted in the spring, but they’ll still be packed with flavor.
- It’s Okay if Your Garlic is Sprouted
- If your garlic cloves have started sprouting, don’t worry! As long as it’s not grocery store garlic, which is often treated to prevent sprouting, it will still grow well in your garden.
- Prepare Your Garlic Cloves
- Select large, healthy cloves from The Good Garlic Company premium seed garlic for the best results.
- Soak cloves in a mixture of water and seaweed fertilizer for a few hours before planting to give them a nutrient boost.
- Get Your Soil Ready
- Garlic thrives in loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
- Add compost and organic fertilizer to help support fast root growth.
- Ensure your planting site gets full sun—garlic loves the light!
- Planting Depth & Spacing
- Plant cloves 2 inches deep (slightly shallower than fall planting).
- Space them 4-6 inches apart in rows about 10-12 inches apart to allow for proper bulb development.
- Pointed end on the clove up!
- Mulch & Water
- Mulching with straw or shredded leaves helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—garlic hates soggy roots!
Gardening is All About Trial and Error
Every growing season is a learning experience. At The Good Garlic Company we believe the best way to grow is to try! If you missed fall planting, why not give spring garlic a shot? It’s a great way to experiment, and you might be surprised by how well it grows.
💡 Want the best garlic for your garden? Check out The Good Garlic Compnay premium seed garlic—sourced and grown in Lamont County, Alberta (Zone 3b) for ultimate hardiness and flavour! 🌱🧄✨
In need for Spring Garlic Seed? We may have some for you reach out!