Acclimating Garlic Before Planting

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Before your garlic cloves go into the soil, there’s an important step to give them the best chance at strong growth: acclimation—sometimes called hardening off. This process helps prepare your cloves for outdoor conditions after being stored in controlled environments.

At 1st Choice Fertilizer, many garlic bulbs come from cool storage or greenhouses where temperature and humidity are regulated. While this helps preserve freshness, garlic cloves can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, moisture, or sunlight when first planted outdoors.

Why Acclimation Matters

Newly planted garlic is vulnerable to environmental stresses such as:

• Temperatures below 40°F or sudden frosts

• Intense sunlight or rapid temperature swings

• Excessive wind or dry conditions

Without proper acclimation, cloves may dry out, rot, or develop weak shoots.

How to Acclimate Garlic Cloves

If your garlic cloves have been stored in a cool, dark place, follow these steps before planting:

1. Bring cloves gradually to outdoor temperature. Move them from storage indoors to a cool but bright area for 1–2 days. This helps adjust their internal moisture and metabolism.

2. Expose cloves to outdoor conditions slowly. Place them in a shaded, protected spot outdoors during the day for a few hours, then bring them back inside overnight if frost risk remains.

3. Avoid planting immediately after storage. Letting cloves adjust reduces shock and encourages faster root development once planted.

Additional Tips for Garlic Planting Prep

• Choose planting days with mild weather—avoid hot, windy, or freezing conditions.

• If you’re planting in colder climates, consider starting cloves indoors in pots and then transplanting when soil warms.

• Make sure soil is well-prepared, loose, and slightly moist—not soggy or dry—to help cloves settle quickly.

Patience Pays Off

Acclimating garlic cloves properly before planting may seem like a small step, but it greatly improves your chances of healthy sprouts and robust bulbs. With 1st Choice Fertilizer guiding you, your garlic will be ready to grow strong roots and leafy greens for a plentiful harvest.

Choosing the Right Location to Plant Garlic

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Success with growing garlic starts before you put those cloves in the ground. Choosing the right location for planting garlic can save you time and effort later—and help ensure strong growth and a bountiful harvest.

Here are five key factors to consider before planting your garlic:

• Sunlight and soil quality

• Soil drainage

• Surroundings and crop rotation

• Spacing

• Room for future planting

1. Sunlight & Soil: The Foundation of Growth

Garlic thrives in full sun. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily during the growing season. More sun means stronger plants and bigger bulbs.

Well-drained soil is critical. Garlic bulbs can rot if they sit in waterlogged ground, so avoid low spots where water pools after rain. If your soil tends to hold water—like heavy clay—consider amending it with organic matter or planting garlic in raised beds.

If your soil is sandy and drains quickly, you may need to water more often or enrich the soil with compost or our Coco-Fiber Growing Medium to retain moisture and nutrients.

2. Soil Drainage & Crop Rotation: Keep It Healthy

Good drainage prevents diseases and promotes root development. Garlic does best in loose, fertile soil that stays moist but not soggy.

Because garlic is susceptible to certain soil-borne diseases, it’s wise to rotate your garlic planting spot each year. Avoid planting garlic where onions, leeks, or other alliums were grown in recent seasons to reduce disease risk.

3. Check the Surroundings: Plan Ahead

Visualize the area when your garlic is fully grown—usually by mid-summer when the scapes appear.

• Will nearby plants shade your garlic?

• Is there enough airflow to reduce disease pressure?

• Are there any obstructions like fences or buildings that could block sun or access?

• Consider nearby plantings—garlic grows well alongside many vegetables but avoid close proximity to legumes or brassicas, which might compete for nutrients.

4. Space Your Garlic Properly

Garlic cloves need room to develop full-sized bulbs.

• Plant cloves about 4 to 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.

• This spacing ensures bulbs have enough room to grow and receive adequate airflow, helping prevent fungal issues.

5. Plan for Future Plantings

Garlic is an annual crop that can become a rewarding part of your garden rotation. Leave space in your garden to expand your garlic patch or add companion crops like carrots, lettuce, or herbs.

Planning ahead makes it easier to maintain soil health and keep your garden productive year after year.

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Ready to Plant?

Choosing the right spot for your garlic is a simple step that makes a big difference in how well your crop performs. With thoughtful planning and expert tips from 1st Choice Fertilizer, you’ll set your garlic up for a healthy, flavorful harvest.

How to Plant Garlic the Right Way

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Getting your garlic off to a strong start begins with how—and where—you plant it. While garlic is relatively easy to grow, setting it up with proper planting techniques ensures healthy bulbs and a great harvest.

Getting Started: Prep Before You Plant

Before planting, separate your garlic bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact. Choose large, healthy cloves for planting—they’ll produce bigger bulbs. Avoid cloves that are soft or damaged.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Choose Your Spot
Pick a well-draining, sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Garlic prefers loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. Mix in aged compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve moisture retention. Our Coco-Fiber Growing Medium is a great natural amendment if you need to improve soil texture.

Plant the Cloves
Place each clove pointed end up, about 2 inches deep in the soil. Space cloves 4 to 6 inches apart, with rows about 12 inches apart. Press the soil gently over the cloves to remove air pockets.

Water Well
Water the planting area thoroughly after planting to help the cloves settle and start rooting.

Mulch for Success

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves over the planted garlic to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weed growth. Mulching also protects your garlic through winter if you plant in the fall.

After Planting Care

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—overwatering can cause rot.

• In spring, once shoots appear, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like 1st Choice Fertilizer’s Vegetable Booster to support healthy growth.

• Remove mulch in early spring if it’s thick and prevents soil warming, but keep some to retain moisture.

Special Tips for Garlic Planting

• Plant garlic cloves in the fall about 4 to 6 weeks before the first hard frost to allow root development before winter dormancy.

• If planting in spring, do so as early as possible for best bulb size.

• Rotate your garlic patch yearly to avoid disease buildup in the soil.

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You’re On Your Way

With thoughtful planting and care, your garlic will thrive and reward you with flavorful, homegrown bulbs. With 1st Choice Fertilizer, you have the support and products to make every step of your garlic-growing journey successful.

How to Prepare Soil for Planting Garlic

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Before your garlic cloves ever touch the soil, proper soil preparation sets the stage for a healthy, productive harvest. Healthy soil means strong roots—and strong roots lead to big, flavorful garlic bulbs.

Whether you’re planting in fall or early spring, preparing your soil ahead of time gives your garlic the best chance to thrive. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Soil Preparation Matters

Well-prepared soil allows your garlic to:

• Access essential nutrients

• Retain moisture without becoming waterlogged

• Develop deep, healthy roots

• Resist diseases and environmental stress

We recommend testing your soil before planting and annually thereafter to monitor nutrient levels, pH, and moisture. Use a 1st Choice Digital Soil Meter for quick at-home readings, or send samples to your local Cooperative Extension for detailed analysis.

Understanding Soil Types

Your soil type influences how much amending you’ll need:

Clay or Silt Soils
Heavy and dense, these soils hold moisture but can cause poor drainage and root rot in garlic. Adding organic matter helps improve aeration and drainage.

Loam Soils
Ideal for garlic: nutrient-rich, well-draining, and balanced moisture retention. Usually only minor amendments are needed here.

Sandy Soils
Drain quickly and don’t hold nutrients well. Garlic in sandy soil benefits from extra organic matter to retain moisture and improve fertility.

When to Prepare the Soil

Prepare garlic beds in fall (for fall planting) or early spring (for spring planting), when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. Fall preparation allows amendments time to integrate.

What to Add to Your Soil

Garlic grows best in loose, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Consider adding:

• Compost – Boosts soil microbes and improves moisture retention and texture.

• Aged Manure – Adds nutrients and organic matter (ensure it’s fully composted).

• Sand – Helps loosen heavy clay soils when mixed with organic matter.

• Peat Moss or Coco-Fiber Growing Medium – Retains moisture in sandy or loose soils.

• Garden Lime – Raises pH if soil is too acidic (optimal garlic soil pH is about 6.0–7.0).

Pro Tip: Use natural resources like shredded leaves, grass clippings, or mulched garden waste as free, nutrient-rich amendments. Collect them in fall for spring soil prep.

How Organic Matter Helps Different Soils

• Sandy soil: Organic matter binds particles, helping retain moisture and nutrients.

• Clay or silt soil: Organic matter breaks up dense soil, improving drainage and root growth.

• Poor soils: Compost and natural amendments restore beneficial microbes, enhancing nutrient uptake and long-term fertility.

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Your Soil, Your Success

Investing time in soil preparation is one of the most important steps for growing robust, healthy garlic. With great soil, your garlic will flourish and reward you with bountiful, flavorful bulbs.

Ready to move on? In the next guide of our “How to Grow Garlic” series, we’ll walk you through the best planting techniques for cloves—how deep to plant, spacing tips, and more.

Explore our full line of organic and premium soil amendments and fertilizers at www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com.

Fertilizing Garlic for Healthy Growth and Bulb Development

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Fertilizing garlic is one of the best ways to improve soil health and ensure your plants get the nutrients they need—especially nitrogen, which fuels strong green growth in the early stages.

But not all garlic beds need the same amount or type of fertilizer. That’s why testing your soil first is so important. Whether you’re planting new cloves or caring for established garlic, soil testing helps you apply the right amount—and the right kind—of fertilizer.

Why Fertilize Garlic?

Fertilizer isn’t just “plant food”—it’s a precise tool that supplements your soil with essential nutrients garlic needs to thrive.

The three key macronutrients in fertilizers are:

• Nitrogen (N): Encourages vigorous leaf and stem growth

• Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and bulb formation

• Potassium (K): Improves disease resistance and overall plant health

These are labeled as N-P-K on fertilizer products, including our 1st Choice Premium Fertilizer blends—formulated specifically for different crop stages.

Always Test Before You Fertilize

Soils vary widely in nutrient content. Over-fertilizing can harm your garlic just as much as under-fertilizing. We strongly recommend testing your soil using a 1st Choice Digital Soil Meter or sending a sample to your local Cooperative Extension for detailed analysis.

Once you know your soil’s nutrient levels, you can choose the right fertilizer for your garlic—whether a slow-release organic granule or a water-soluble mix designed for quick uptake.

Fertilizing Garlic Beds

For garlic, nitrogen is critical early in the growing season to encourage strong leaf development, which feeds the bulbs below ground.

We recommend using:

• Earth-Care Prime 5-6-6 — A balanced fertilizer with adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support garlic through its growth cycle.

• Earth-Care Probiotics 5-5-5 — A probiotic-rich fertilizer blend that encourages healthy soil microbes while supplying balanced nutrients.

Apply fertilizer in early spring, once garlic shoots emerge, and again in mid-season to support bulb development.

When to Fertilize Garlic

• First application: Early spring, as soon as shoots are visible

• Second application: Mid to late spring, before bulbs start swelling

• Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent excessive leaf growth that can reduce bulb size or invite disease.

Different Garlic Varieties, Different Needs

While garlic generally benefits from balanced fertilization, hardneck varieties may need slightly more nutrients to develop their larger bulbs compared to softneck types.

Micronutrients Matter Too

Garlic benefits from micronutrients like sulfur and calcium, which influence flavor and bulb quality.

If your soil test shows deficiencies, consider applying supplements like calcium through Earth-Care Prime 5-6-6 Calcium+ during the growing season.

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Need help selecting the right fertilizer for your garlic?

Visit www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com for our complete line of organic and premium products, plus expert guides tailored to garlic and other crops.

Pest & Disease Control for Garlic

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

As your garlic plants grow, they may face challenges from pests and diseases. Location, weather, and care all influence which problems arise and how well your plants resist them. Choosing disease-resistant varieties and following good maintenance practices like proper watering, fertilizing, timely harvesting, crop rotation, and soil care can help keep your garlic healthy and productive.

Common Garlic Pests

Onion Thrips
Tiny slender insects feeding on leaves.
Symptoms: Silver streaks, curling, and distorted leaves; reduced bulb size.
Control:

• Natural sprays: Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus, Safer® Insect Killing Soap, Monterey Horticultural Oil

• Cultural: Remove plant debris, avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen

Nematodes
Microscopic worms attacking roots and bulbs.
Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, bulb rot.
Control:

• Crop rotation, soil solarization

• Use resistant varieties and organic amendments

Leek Moth Larvae
Small caterpillars tunneling leaves and bulbs.
Symptoms: Leaf mines, holes, and bulb damage.
Control:

• Handpick larvae, use row covers

• Natural sprays: Natural Guard® Caterpillar Killer Spray w/BT

Bulb Mites
Tiny mites feeding on garlic cloves and roots.
Symptoms: Bulb decay, poor plant development.
Control:

• Use clean seed stock and well-drained soil

• Soil treatments with beneficial microbes like Earth-Care Probiotics 5-5-5

Cutworms
Larvae that cut young stems near soil level.
Symptoms: Wilting or missing seedlings.
Control:

• Physical barriers, manual removal

• Apply organic insecticides such as Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus

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Common Garlic Diseases

White Rot (Sclerotium cepivorum)
Fungal disease that attacks roots and bulbs.
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, white fluffy mold at bulb base, bulb decay.
Control:

• Crop rotation (avoid alliums in infested soil for several years)

• Soil solarization and organic soil amendments

Downy Mildew
Fungal-like pathogen causing leaf spots and decay.
Symptoms: Pale green spots on leaves, fluffy gray spores underneath.
Control:

• Good air circulation, avoid overhead watering

• Use resistant varieties and sprays like Monterey Liquid Copper Fungicide

Botrytis Neck Rot
Gray mold causing bulb rot during storage.
Symptoms: Soft neck, gray mold on bulbs after harvest.
Control:

• Proper curing and storage conditions

• Avoid injury at harvest and use fungicidal sprays if needed

Fusarium Basal Rot
Fungal disease causing bulb base rot and plant decline.
Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting leaves, reddish discoloration at bulb base.
Control:

• Use disease-free seed, rotate crops, improve drainage

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Additional Tips for Garlic Pest & Disease Management

• Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant debris to reduce inoculum.

• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting garlic or related alliums in the same soil year after year.

• Soil Health: Maintain healthy soil with organic matter and beneficial microbes using Earth-Care Probiotics 5-5-5 to support natural resistance.

• Resistant Varieties: Choose garlic varieties known for disease resistance when available.

• Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for early signs of pests or diseases for timely intervention.

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For expert help identifying pests or diseases, contact your local Cooperative Extension office or visit www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com for trusted organic control products and advice tailored to garlic.

Pruning Garlic for Healthy Growth and Better Bulbs

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

While garlic doesn’t require pruning like trees, timely trimming and removal of certain plant parts can improve bulb quality, reduce disease risk, and encourage stronger growth. Here’s what to know about “pruning” garlic.

Why Trim Garlic?

• Survival & Health: Removing damaged or diseased leaves helps the plant focus energy on bulb development.

• Stimulation: Trimming certain parts can encourage the plant to grow more robust cloves.

• Shape & Structure: Managing scapes (flower stalks) directs the plant’s energy toward bulb size.

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Basic Garlic “Pruning” Principles

• Trim Scapes: For hardneck garlic varieties, remove the flower stalk (scape) when it begins to curl but before it fully straightens. This redirects energy from flowering to bulb growth, resulting in larger cloves.

• Remove Yellow/Damaged Leaves: During the growing season, cut off yellowing or diseased leaves to reduce disease spread and improve airflow.

• Harvest Timing: Once most leaves turn brown and dry, garlic is ready to harvest—no further trimming needed.

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Seasonal Garlic Maintenance Guide

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Tools for Garlic Trimming

• Sharp Scissors or Pruning Shears: For cleanly cutting scapes and leaves without damaging the plant.

• Gloves: To protect hands from sharp leaf edges.

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Tips for Garlic Care by Growth Stage

Young Garlic Plants:

• Focus on keeping plants free from damaged leaves to maximize photosynthesis.

• Remove scapes promptly on hardneck types.

Mature Garlic Plants:

• Maintain cleanliness by trimming any yellow or diseased foliage.

• Avoid excessive leaf removal—healthy green leaves are vital for bulb development.

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Healthy garlic plants with proper scape removal and leaf care grow larger, better-quality bulbs ready for a successful harvest.

For more tips and organic fertilizers like Earth-Care Prime 5-6-6 and Earth-Care Probiotics 5-5-5 to boost garlic growth, visit www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com.

Pest & Disease Control for Garlic: Effective Spraying Guidelines

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Garlic faces its own set of pests and diseases that can impact bulb quality and yield. Understanding local threats and following a well-planned spraying schedule is essential for healthy garlic crops. Local Extension offices, university resources, and experienced growers can offer valuable advice tailored to your area.

Regular, preventive spraying helps keep garlic plants vigorous and reduces the risk of severe infestations or infections. Careful application and timing are key to effective pest and disease management.

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When to Spray Garlic

• Pre-Planting: Treat cloves or soil to reduce fungal spores and pests.

• Early Growth: Apply preventive sprays when shoots first emerge.

• Mid-Growth: Monitor regularly; spray as soon as pests or diseases appear.

• Before Bulb Maturation: Final sprays help protect bulbs during development.

⚠️ Always follow label instructions. Never mix chemicals unless labels specify compatibility.

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Pest Control Sprays for Garlic

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Disease Control Sprays for Garlic

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Combination Sprays for Garlic Pests & Diseases

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Tips for Effective Garlic Spraying

• Always read and follow product labels for proper rates and timing.

• Spray thoroughly to cover all leaves and emerging shoots.

• Avoid spraying during extreme heat, drought, or immediately after rain.

• Test new products on a small area before full application.

• Wear gloves and protective gear when handling chemicals.

• Time sprays to avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.

• Regular monitoring and early treatment help keep garlic healthy and productive.

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For tailored advice and to explore organic fertilizers like Earth-Care Plus 5-6-6 and Earth-Care Probiotics 5-5-5 that support garlic health, visit www.1stChoiceFertilizer.com.

Watering Garlic

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

Garlic generally thrives with minimal irrigation once established, especially in regions with moderate rainfall. However, young garlic plants and those grown in dry or sandy soils benefit from regular watering to ensure healthy bulb development.

Using a product like 1st Choice Fertilizer can enhance soil moisture retention and improve root zone hydration, reducing the frequency of watering needed.

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Watering Tips for New Garlic Plants

During the first few weeks after planting cloves, keep the soil consistently moist—not waterlogged—to encourage strong root growth. If your area receives about an inch of rain every 7 to 10 days, that usually suffices. If rainfall is limited, supplement with deep watering to penetrate the root zone.

A slow, thorough watering method such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses works well to avoid surface runoff and promote deep moisture absorption. Avoid light, frequent watering, which encourages shallow roots and potential fungal issues.

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Established Garlic Watering

Once garlic is established, reduce watering frequency. Typically, watering once every 10 to 14 days is enough, depending on weather and soil type. During bulb formation (typically late spring to early summer), increase watering slightly to support growth, but taper off as the plants mature to prevent bulb rot.

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Additional Tips

• Avoid overwatering, as garlic bulbs are prone to rot in soggy soil.

• Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Adjust watering based on soil texture—clay soils retain water longer, sandy soils dry out faster.

• Monitor plants and soil moisture regularly, and adjust irrigation accordingly.

• Follow any local water-use restrictions during dry seasons.

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Observing your garlic plants and soil moisture will guide you best to maintain healthy growth and maximize your harvest.

Garlic Harvest and Storage

(From the “How to Grow Garlic” Series by 1st Choice Fertilizer)

After months of caring for your garlic plants, the exciting time to harvest finally arrives! Knowing when to harvest and how to properly cure and store your garlic will help you enjoy your hard work long after the growing season ends.

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When Will My Garlic Be Ready to Harvest?

Garlic typically matures about 7 to 9 months after planting, depending on variety and growing conditions. Most garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves start to brown and dry while the upper leaves remain green. This signals that the bulbs have developed fully but haven’t begun to deteriorate.

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How to Harvest Garlic

• Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel.

• Carefully lift the bulbs out of the ground, avoiding bruising or damaging them.

• Don’t pull garlic by the stems as this can break the bulbs.

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Curing Garlic for Long-Term Storage

Proper curing is essential to preserve garlic’s flavor and shelf life.

• Lay the freshly dug bulbs in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area.

• Allow garlic to cure for 2 to 4 weeks until the outer skins are papery and the roots and stems are completely dry.

• Avoid direct sunlight and damp locations to prevent mold or spoilage.

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Storing Garlic

• After curing, trim roots close to the bulb and cut the stems about 1 inch above the bulb.

• Store garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation—ideal temperatures range from 60°F to 65°F.

• Mesh bags, paper bags, or hanging braids work well for storing garlic and preventing moisture buildup.

• Properly cured and stored garlic can last 6 to 9 months or longer.

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Additional Tips

• Check stored garlic regularly and remove any bulbs showing signs of mold or soft spots.

• For best flavor and longevity, avoid refrigerating garlic bulbs unless you plan to use them soon.

• Garlic scapes (the flowering stalks) can be harvested early for culinary use before bulb maturity.

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With attentive harvesting, curing, and storage, you’ll be able to savor your homegrown garlic’s rich flavor well beyond the growing season!