As the colder months settle in, now is the perfect time to add a little flavour to your garden – and your kitchen – by planting garlic. This easy-to-grow crop loves the chill of winter and rewards you with a supply of fresh, aromatic bulbs that store beautifully and elevate any dish.
Whether you’re working with a full vegetable patch or just a few pots on a balcony, growing garlic at home is simpler than you might think.
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The best garlic varieties to grow
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic produces edible flower stalks known as scapes and is ideal for very cold regions. Softneck garlic, more commonly grown, stores well and thrives in a variety of conditions.
For South African gardens, Egyptian Pink Garlic is popular for its robust flavour and long storage life. Egyptian White Garlic offers a milder taste and is equally versatile in the kitchen.
Where to source garlic bulbs
Avoid using garlic from the supermarket, as it’s often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, opt for bulbs from a nursery or reputable supplier – these are untreated, disease-free, and better suited for planting.
When to plant garlic
Timing is key. In the Western Cape, garlic can be planted until the end of May. In central and eastern parts of the country, February to March is ideal. Garlic grows best in cool temperatures and short winter days, making autumn the ideal season to get started.
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Preparing the soil
Garlic thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6 to 7.5). Mix in compost or aged manure before planting to enrich the soil. If you’re dealing with heavy clay, consider using raised beds or large containers to improve drainage.
How to plant garlic
- Separate the cloves: Gently break apart the bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
- Choose the healthiest: The bigger the clove, the bigger the bulb. Discard small or damaged ones.
- Plant pointy side up: Plant cloves about 3–5cm deep and 8–12cm apart, with rows spaced around 20–30cm apart.
- Water well: Cover the cloves with soil, press gently to firm, and give them a good watering.
What if your garlic has already sprouted? No problem – sprouted cloves can still be planted and will grow just fine.
Growing garlic in pots
No garden? No worries. Garlic grows well in containers too. Use a pot that’s at least 30cm deep with good drainage holes. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix and plant cloves using the same spacing and depth as you would in a garden bed. Water regularly, but don’t let the soil become waterlogged.
Looking after your garlic
- Watering: Garlic needs around 25mm of water per week, particularly in dry spells.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your plants weed-free so they don’t have to compete for nutrients.
- Feeding: A balanced fertiliser can help, but if in doubt, a simple soil test will guide you.
By late spring or early summer, you’ll notice the leaves starting to yellow – this is your cue that the garlic is ready to harvest. Gently lift the bulbs from the soil and leave them to cure in a cool, airy space for a couple of weeks. Once dry, store them somewhere cool and dry.
A simple, satisfying crop
Whether you use it to season your stews, blend into homemade hummus, or roast whole for a sweet, mellow flavour, garlic is a kitchen essential. And once you’ve grown your own, you’ll never look back.
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How to grow an endless supply of spring onions in your kitchen
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A version of this article was originally written by Maegan-Leigh Jacobs for Garedn&Home.
