Fall Garlic Planting, Harvesting, and Health Benefits

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, it's the perfect time to think about planting garlic in your garden. Garlic is not only a flavorful addition to many dishes, but it also offers numerous health benefits. If you're in Sault Ste. Marie, planting garlic in the fall ensures that your bulbs get the cold period they need to thrive in our Zone 4 climate. Here's everything you need to know about fall garlic planting, harvesting, and why garlic is great for your health!

How to Plant Garlic in the Fall

Garlic is planted in the fall because it requires a period of cold dormancy to develop its best bulbs. Here's how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Varieties: Hardneck garlic varieties such as 'Music' and 'German White' are ideal for our colder climate in Zone 4. These varieties produce a robust flavor and tend to be more cold-hardy.
2. Timing: Plant your garlic in late September or October, about 4-6 weeks before the first hard frost. This gives the garlic enough time to establish roots but not so much that the tops begin to grow before winter.
3. Planting Process:
• Break apart the garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Be sure to leave the papery husk on each clove.
• Choose a sunny, well-draining spot in your garden. Work in plenty of organic compost to enrich the soil.
• Plant each clove with the pointed end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Rows should be spaced about 12 inches apart.
• Water the bed well after planting and then mulch with straw or leaves to insulate the soil during winter.
4. Winter Care: After planting, the garlic cloves will rest under the soil throughout winter, developing their root systems. Come spring, green shoots will emerge, signaling the start of their growing season.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic planted in the fall is typically ready for harvest the following summer, around July or August. Here’s what to do:

1. Signs of Readiness: Garlic is ready to harvest when about half of the lower leaves have turned yellow, and the upper leaves are still green. It's important not to wait until all the leaves die back, as this can cause the garlic bulbs to split or rot in the ground.
2. Harvesting Tips:
• Loosen the soil around the bulbs gently with a garden fork or spade, and carefully lift them from the ground.
• Be gentle with the bulbs, as damaged bulbs won’t store well.
3. Curing: After harvest, garlic needs to be cured for proper storage. Lay the garlic out in a dry, airy place for about 2-3 weeks, until the outer skins are papery. Once cured, trim off the roots and cut back the tops, leaving about an inch of the stalk.
4. Storing: Store cured garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Hardneck garlic will last for several months, providing you with fresh garlic all winter long!

Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic isn't just delicious—it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits. Here are a few reasons to incorporate more garlic into your diet:

1. Boosts Immune System: Garlic is packed with antioxidants and compounds like allicin, which can help enhance your immune system, reducing the severity and duration of colds and other illnesses.
2. Heart Health: Studies suggest that garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce inflammation in the body and may help with conditions such as arthritis.
4. Rich in Nutrients: Garlic is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium, all of which are essential for maintaining overall health.
5. Antibacterial and Antifungal: The compounds in garlic have antimicrobial properties, which can help fight infections and improve gut health.

Planting garlic this fall will reward you with a bountiful harvest next summer and year-round health benefits. Whether you're looking to elevate your dishes or boost your immune system, garlic is a wonderful addition to any garden. Visit our garden centre for a selection of garlic bulbs and all the tools you’ll need to grow this versatile crop. Happy planting!