Now is the time to prepare your garlic for winter planting.
In climates that do not receive cold or freezing temperatures, like in our Mediterranean climate where we see the lowest temperatures of 37-41 Degrees F or 3-5 degrees Celcius, preparing garlic for planting involves a crucial step called vernalization. This is where the garlic cloves are chilled to simulate winter conditions, which encourages proper bulb formation when planted. To start, select healthy, large garlic cloves from a reliable source—these will give the best yield. Place the cloves in a paper bag or breathable container and store them in the fridge for about 3-4 weeks. This chilling period mimics the cold of winter and is essential for triggering the garlic's growth cycle in warmer climates. After a month in the fridge, the garlic is ready for planting. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, plant the cloves about 2-3 inches, 5-8cm deep, and space them 6 inches, 15cm apart, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. With this preparation, the garlic should establish strong roots and be well on its way to producing robust bulbs by the following summer.
In climates where winter temperatures naturally drop below freezing, garlic planting follows a slightly different process, as the cold weather itself serves to vernalize the cloves, making refrigeration unnecessary. Begin by selecting healthy, large garlic cloves, as these tend to produce the most vigorous plants. Plant the cloves in late fall, typically a few weeks before the ground freezes. This timing allows the garlic to establish roots before winter sets in, without sprouting above ground. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and plant the cloves about 2-3 inches, 5-8cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards, and space them 6 inches, 15cm apart. The cold winter temperatures will naturally trigger the garlic’s growth cycle, encouraging the development of robust bulbs. As the ground warms in spring, the garlic will begin to grow actively, resulting in a bountiful harvest by mid-summer.