Growing Garlic: Sun, Drainage, and Patience Until June

Your garlic looked like small spring onions in late winter? That's normal. Garlic needs two non-negotiables to form large, multi-cloved bulbs: excellent drainage and full sun. And you must wait until early summer to harvest.

Soil Preparation Is Everything

• Raised beds are ideal.
• Amend heavily with gritty sand (coarse builder's sand, not play sand) or use a cactus/succulent potting mix in deep containers.
• Loose, sandy loam allows bulbs to expand freely and prevents rot.

The Growth Cycle

• Fall planting (October–November) for root establishment.
• Winter: Little top growth; roots develop.
• Spring: Lengthening days trigger bulb swelling (clove differentiation).
• Harvest: When ~50% of leaves are yellow/brown, usually June.

Why Yours Looked Small in Winter

Bulk up happens in spring. Digging in February reveals only the nascent structure. Be patient.

Key Tips

• Mulch with straw after planting to moderate soil temps.
• Remove scapes (flower stalks) on hardneck varieties to direct energy to bulbs.
• Cure harvested bulbs 2–3 weeks in shade with good airflow before storing.

With sun, sharp drainage, and a June harvest date, you'll pull beautiful, flavorful heads next summer.