PLANTING
Garlic loves full sun and loose soil with good drainage and a neutral pH (6.8-7.2) soil. Mulching and adding organic mix to the soil helps produce better bulbs. When you are ready to plant you should break into cloves no more than a day or so before planting. Plant clove basal plate side down about 4-6 inches apart and about 1 inch deep into loose soil, rake soil over top to cover about 2 inches. Mulch well, at least 2 inches of clean straw, leaves, organic compost, or grass clippings. If you don't plan on mulching, cover the seeds with 4 inches of soil. Garlic does not produce well in a weedy area and likes even moisture. One inch of water or rainfall a week is needed for best growth. Garlic prefers even moisture. Uneven moisture causes irregular shaped bulbs. Drip irrigation works best for garlic and for water conservation.
Harvest
Stop watering 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how wet of a climate you live in. Bulbs will double in size during the last month of growth. If harvested too soon, the skins won't form around each clove. If harvested too late they can blow open and not store well. Generally when the plant has grown 3-4 brown leaves or 40% brown/ 60% green, they are ready to harvest. Dig up one bulb to check before harvesting the whole crop. The outer skin should be tight with fully developed and well formed cloves. Dig the bulb and leave attached to the leaves. Gently brush dirt from bulb and around the roots before drying. Do NOT clean with water! Try to harvest when it is coolest (early morning or late evening). Do NOT harvest when the ground is muddy and keep the garlic out of the sun.
Drying and Storage
We prefer to hang our garlic in bunches uncut. Be sure to provide good air flow and allow 4-6 weeks for the stem to completely dry. Trim the roots and stalk and store in a cool dry place.