Garlic in October: The Real Fall Favorite (Sorry, Pumpkin Spice)

Ah, October—the month where everything smells like cinnamon, cozy sweaters emerge from the depths of the closet, and pumpkin spice reigns supreme. But while everyone else is sipping their lattes and Instagramming their fall décor, we gardeners know the real star of the season: garlic.

Why Plant Garlic in October?

Planting garlic in the fall is like investing in your future—only without the complicated stock market lingo. When you plant in October, you give your garlic a head start. The cooler temperatures help the cloves settle in without the stress of summer heat, and the winter chill (don’t worry, garlic LOVES the cold) helps them develop strong root systems. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about finding a reason to get your hands in the dirt, even during what many people assume to be the off-season for gardening.

Come spring, you’ll already have garlic shooting up like little green superheroes. And when summer rolls around? Harvest time, baby! Not to mention, freshly harvested garlic is worlds for flavorful and nutritious than anything you might find in a grocery store.

Patience is key when it comes to garlic.

Last fall, I decided to plant elephant garlic corms. For those who don’t know, corms are like tougher versions of garlic cloves, and they can take longer to sprout. I planted them, checked on them all winter and spring, and saw absolutely nothing. By May, I was sure they had failed.

Then, late in the spring, they finally showed up—popping up everywhere between my zinnias and strawberry patch. Turns out, they were just taking their time. If you’re planting garlic, whether cloves or corms, remember: patience is key. Sometimes garlic takes a while to appear, but it will show up when it’s ready. So don’t lose hope!

Tips for a Successful, Organic Garlic Planting

Pick the Perfect Spot: Garlic loves the sun, so find a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Don’t throw it into the shadow of your squash trellis. It’ll sulk. Garlic needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to truly thrive.

Prep the Soil: If your soil is compacted clay like mine, your garlic might struggle. Loosen it up with compost or organic matter and toss in a sprinkle of IMO. Garlic is a heavy feeder, so the richer your soil, the bigger your bulbs. Learn more about IMO and its use here.

Planting Depth: You want to plant each clove about 2 inches deep, pointy side up. Give them enough space to stretch their legs—about 6 inches between each clove. And if you’re planting elephant garlic corms, give them even more space—between 4 and 6 inches depth. They’re big fellas and need room to breathe.

Mulch Like You Mean It: Cover your freshly planted garlic with a good layer of organic mulch—straw, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings. This will help insulate your cloves during the winter, retain moisture, and (bonus!) keep weeds at bay. Mulch is like tucking your garlic into bed for the winter with a cozy blanket.

Water, But Not Too Much: After planting, give your garlic a good soak to help settle the soil. But don’t overdo it. Once the ground freezes, garlic doesn’t need much water at all. Let winter do its thing.

Patience, Patience, Patience…

Garlic likes to play the long game. You might not see much action until the spring, but trust me, it’s working hard underground all winter. Once summer rolls around and you’re pulling up those big, beautiful bulbs it’ll be well worth the wait.

So, my fellow fall gardeners, don’t get distracted by the siren call of pumpkin-flavored everything. October is garlic time, and if you follow these tips, you’ll be rewarded with a glorious garlic harvest come summer. It’s time to grab your trowel, embrace the chill, and plant your garlic. You’ll thank yourself later—and so will your taste buds.

Happy growing!

Check out other excellent additions to plant in your fall garden that will keep you enjoying a harvest all winter long here!