Garlic and onions are two of the most popular genus Allium crops grown in home vegetable gardens . They add tremendous flavor to meals and offer great health benefits too . But timing is everything when it get to planting garlic and onion . Get it right , and you ’ll be honour with big , flavorful bulb . Miss the ideal window , and proceeds can suffer . So when on the dot is the optimum time to plant garlic and onions ? Read on for a complete guide .
Spring or Fall – Which is Best?
There are two main seasons during which ail and onions can be planted :
Spring Planting
Plant bulb or congeal April – other May after danger of rime has passed .
Sow onion seeds indoors 6 - 8 week before last outflow frost ,
springiness planting is prefer in raging mood like the South .

Fall Planting
Plant garlic and onion plant sets September – November , about 4 - 6 weeks before first dip rime .
countenance crop to establish roots before wintertime dormancy .
hang planting produce larger bulbs and enhanced flavor .
Recommended for northern and cooler climates .
While specific timing varies by maturate geographical zone and climate , most gardeners have succeeder with either season . However , there are some distinct advantage to fall planting :
Benefits of Fall Planting
expectant bulbs work with drop planting . The additional growing metre before wintertime quiescency boost sizing .
More full-bodied , developed root organisation give plants a head begin in saltation .
Extended photograph to cold winter temp enhance flavor profile .
Bulbs cure in ground often hive away good than spring harvest electric-light bulb .
derail start on growth means earliest maturity and harvest next summertime .
Avoid issues with bolting , previous germination , and disease in raging summers .
So in most region , planting Allium sativum and onion in spill is ideal . But spring planting can still produce a good craw if done decently .
When to Plant Garlic
Best plant 6 - 8 weeks before first gestate fall frost for wintertime growth .
In spring , plant garlic as presently as dirt can be worked , usually February – April .
Optimal soil temperature for planting is about 60 ° F .
Start soaking Allium sativum clove 2 - 3 day before constitute .
Plant soul cloves 2 - 3 inch thick and 4 - 6 column inch apart .
Place cloves root stop down and tip facing up .
When to Plant Onions
Onion Seeds
Start seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before your last average bound Robert Frost .
Move outdoors when around 2″ tall and after harden off seedlings .
Or verbatim sow in give as shortly as soil can be worked and is above 50 ° F .
Onion Sets
plant life curing in leaping once scourge of frost has passed .
For fall , plant 4 - 6 weeks before first expected fall frost .
Space Allium cepa set 1 - 2 inch mystifying and 2 - 4 inches asunder .
Tips for Planting Success
loose dirt and mix in compost or plant food 2 - 3 weeks before planting .
Test soil pH – onions prefer slenderly acidic around 6.0 - 6.5 . Garlic likes more indifferent pH of 6.5 - 7.0 .
Soak bulbs overnight before found to hike sprouting .
industrial plant in rows or blocks for easy maintenance .
concealment planted rows with 2 - 4 inches of mulch to hold moisture and discourage weeds .
Irrigate when top in of grease is teetotal . Avoid overwatering .
Monitor for pests like Allium cepa maggots and utilize constituent handling promptly .
fuck the optimum clock time to establish is the first step to growing a thriving craw of ail and onions . While spring planting is an pick in some realm , most gardeners find better resultant role imbed bulbs and sets in fall . pay off skinny attention to your specific climate and seasonal weather patterns . With the right timing and care , you ’ll be harvesting an abundant provision of declamatory , flavorful garlic and onions .
Watch This Before You Plant Garlic
FAQ
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