Grow Your Own Gold: Why Garlic is the Easiest Crop You'll Ever Plant This Winter

Have you ever considered growing your own garlic? If not, you're missing out on one of the most satisfying, affordable, and incredibly low-maintenance gardening experiences out there! I started planting garlic four years ago, and honestly, I barely buy it from the store anymore. It's so simple to "sow" (plant), and it truly asks for very little in return for a bountiful harvest.

During the cold winter months, I often forget it's even out there! It's not until the weather warms up, and I see those vibrant green shoots emerge, that I remember to start checking on watering needs. Even then, the winter rains and snow often provide all the moisture it needs. And as for feeding? The compost I added the previous season is usually more than enough. My garlic practically grows itself, rewarding me with plump, flavorful bulbs year after year.

If you're looking for an incredibly forgiving and rewarding crop to plant this winter, garlic is your answer!

Why Grow Your Own Garlic?

• Affordable: "Seed garlic" is inexpensive, especially for the size of the harvest you get.
• Low Maintenance: It’s largely a "plant it and forget it" crop during the long winter.
• Minimal Watering: Nature often handles this for you during the cold, wet season.
• Delicious & Fresh: The taste of homegrown garlic is incredible!
• Winter Project: It gives you a great reason to get out and plant during the cooler months.

What You'll Need to Get Started

You don't need much to kickstart your garlic journey!

1. Seed Garlic: Use cloves specifically sold for planting, not ones from the grocery store. Look for hardneck or softneck varieties.
2. Well-Draining Soil: Garlic cannot sit in soggy soil. Amend heavy soil with compost or sand.
3. Compost or Manure: Enrich your planting site with organic matter to feed the heavy-growing plants.
4. A Trowel or Shovel: To dig small holes.
5. Mulch (Recommended): Straw or shredded leaves to protect the bulbs and prevent weeds.
6. A Sunny Spot: Garlic needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Two Simple Ways to "Sow" Your Garlic (For Beginners)

Garlic is typically planted in the fall as it requires a period of cold (vernalization) to properly form a large, segmented bulb.

1. The "Dig & Drop" Method (For Garden Beds)

This is the classic, straightforward approach for garden beds or raised beds.

1. Prepare: Loosen your soil and mix in a 2-4 inch layer of compost.
2. Separate: Gently break your seed garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Leave the papery skin on each. Plant the largest cloves only!
3. Planting: Dig holes about 2-3 inches deep. Place the clove in the hole with the flat, root end down and the pointy end facing up.
4. Spacing: Space the cloves about 4-6 inches apart.
5. Mulch: Cover the entire area with a generous layer (2-4 inches) of straw or shredded leaves. This protects your plants all winter long.

2. Simple Container Planting (For Small Spaces)

No garden space? You can still get a great harvest on a balcony or patio.

1. Choose a Container: Select a pot that is at least 8 inches deep and has good drainage holes.
2. Fill the Pot: Use a quality potting mix blended with compost.
3. Planting: Plant the cloves flat side down, pointy side up, about 2 inches deep.
4. Spacing: You can plant cloves slightly closer in a pot, about 3-4 inches apart.
5. Winter Care: Place the pot in a sunny location. In very cold climates, move the pot against a wall or wrap it to help insulate the roots from deep freezing.

Plant now, forget about it during the coldest months, and get ready for the most delicious garlic harvest next summer!