When to Plant Garlic in Tennessee: A Guide

When to Plant Garlic in TN?

Garlic is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a relatively easy crop to grow, but it is important to plant it at the right time for your area. In Tennessee, the best time to plant garlic is in the fall, from October to December.

This article will discuss the best time to plant garlic in Tennessee, as well as the steps involved in planting and growing garlic. We will also provide tips on how to harvest and store your garlic crop.

So if you are thinking about growing garlic in Tennessee, read on for all the information you need to know!

Month Temperature Soil
October 50F to 65F Loose, well-drained soil
November 45F to 55F Loose, well-drained soil
December 40F to 50F Loose, well-drained soil

When to Plant Garlic in TN?

Climate and Soil

When to plant garlic in Tennessee depends on the climate and soil conditions in your area. Garlic grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal planting time for garlic in Tennessee is in the fall, from September to November. This will allow the garlic to establish a good root system before the ground freezes.

Hardiness Zone

Garlic is a hardy crop that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, the best garlic varieties for Tennessee are those that are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. These varieties will be able to withstand the cold winters and hot summers in Tennessee.

Variety Selection

There are many different varieties of garlic to choose from. When choosing a variety for Tennessee, it is important to consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. Some good varieties for Tennessee include:

  • ‘Amish Purple Stripe’: This variety is hardy in Zones 5-8 and produces large, flavorful cloves.
  • ‘California Early White’: This variety is hardy in Zones 6-9 and produces white cloves with a mild flavor.
  • ‘German Extra Hardy’: This variety is hardy in Zones 3-8 and produces large, pink cloves with a strong flavor.

Planting Garlic

To plant garlic, start by preparing the soil. The soil should be well-drained and have a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too sandy, add some compost or peat moss to improve drainage. If the soil is too clayey, add some sand to improve drainage.

Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the garlic cloves. Plant the cloves 4-6 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep. The pointed end of the clove should be facing up. Cover the cloves with soil and water well.

Fertilizing Garlic

Garlic does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it will benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for garlic. Apply the fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.

Watering Garlic

Garlic needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the garlic deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves have turned yellow and the cloves have begun to swell. To harvest the garlic, dig up the bulbs with a fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the cloves.

Once the bulbs are harvested, you can cure them by hanging them in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks. The garlic will be ready to eat once the skins have dried and the cloves have separated.

Garlic is a delicious and versatile crop that is easy to grow in Tennessee. By following these tips, you can grow a bountiful harvest of garlic each year.

When To Plant Garlic In Tn?

The ideal planting time for garlic in Tennessee is in the fall, from October to December. This allows the garlic to establish a strong root system before the ground freezes, and it will be less likely to be damaged by winter weather.

If you plant garlic in the spring, it will take longer to mature and may not produce as well as garlic planted in the fall. Additionally, spring-planted garlic is more likely to be damaged by pests and diseases.

How To Plant Garlic In Tn?

To plant garlic in Tennessee, you will need:

  • Garlic cloves
  • A sunny spot in your garden
  • Well-drained soil
  • A trowel or garden spade
  • Water

To plant garlic, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Dig a trench about 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
3. Place the garlic cloves about 4 inches apart in the trench, with the pointed end up.
4. Cover the cloves with soil and water well.

How To Care For Garlic In Tn?

Once you have planted your garlic, you will need to care for it properly to ensure a good harvest.

  • Water your garlic regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and cool.
  • Weed around the plants to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
  • Inspect your garlic plants regularly for pests and diseases.

When To Harvest Garlic In Tn?

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves have turned yellow and the bulbs are firm. To harvest your garlic, follow these steps:

1. Dig up the garlic plants carefully so as not to damage the bulbs.
2. Remove the bulbs from the soil and shake off the excess dirt.
3. Hang the bulbs upside down in a cool, dry place to cure for 4-6 weeks.
4. Once the bulbs are cured, store them in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Garlic is a delicious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow in Tennessee. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of garlic each year.

When should I plant garlic in TN?

Garlic is a cool-season crop that is best planted in the fall. The ideal planting time in Tennessee is from late September to early November. However, you can plant garlic as early as late August if you live in a warm climate.

How deep should I plant garlic?

Garlic cloves should be planted about 2 inches deep.

How much space should I leave between garlic cloves?

Garlic cloves should be spaced about 6 inches apart.

What kind of soil do I need for garlic?

Garlic grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8.

How much water does garlic need?

Garlic needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.

What fertilizers do I need for garlic?

Garlic does not require a lot of fertilizer. A light application of compost or well-rotted manure in the fall before planting is all that is needed.

How do I protect garlic from pests and diseases?

Garlic is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, garlic rust, and white rot. To protect your garlic from pests and diseases, you can:

  • Plant garlic in a well-drained location.
  • Rotate your crops.
  • Practice good sanitation.
  • Use row covers to protect your garlic from pests.
  • Spray your garlic with a fungicide to protect it from diseases.

When will my garlic be ready to harvest?

Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves have turned yellow and the cloves are firm. The best time to harvest garlic is in late June or early July.

How do I harvest garlic?

To harvest garlic, you will need to:

1. Dig up the garlic bulbs with a garden fork.
2. Remove the soil from the bulbs.
3. Cut off the roots and the top of the stem.
4. Store the garlic in a cool, dry place.

How do I store garlic?

Garlic can be stored for several months if it is properly stored. To store garlic, you will need to:

1. Place the garlic in a mesh bag or open container.
2. Store the garlic in a cool, dry place.
3. Check the garlic regularly and remove any cloves that are starting to go bad.

How do I use garlic?

Garlic can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. It can also be used as a flavoring agent in sauces, marinades, and rubs.

the best time to plant garlic in TN is in the fall, between October and December. This will give the garlic plenty of time to grow before the winter frost. When planting garlic, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The cloves should be planted about 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep. Garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop, but it is important to water it regularly during dry spells. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh garlic from your own garden in the early summer.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.