In terms of planting time garlic should go in the ground at least four to six weeks before the ground freezes. That is optimal timing to yield well.
In Zone 5, October is prime time for planting garlic in Ontario. It can be scheduled sooner or later in October depending on whether in the northern or southern part of the province.
To reiterate, October is prime planting time to maximize yields, but November and December planting (if ground unfrozen) will still yield but yield potential drops. Garlic seed can even be planted in soil in the succeeding spring to rejuvenate the seed garlic for a fall planting.
In colder zones like 2, 3 or 4 such as in Western Canada, winter comes earlier. Garlic can be planted as early as September 15 or as late as the end of October, again depending on location.
Atlantic Canada is a mixture of zones 4 and 5. Check a zonal map for confirmation of planting time.
Garlic grows well in a range of soils but prefers well-drained soils with neutral pH. Add compost before planting in a sunny, well drained area.
To plant, peel off the outer layer of skin covering the entire bulb and pull the cloves apart. The skin on the individual cloves should be kept on. Plant the cloves with the pointed side up (root side down) and six inches apart with an inch of soil covering the tops.
Many growers benefit from a layer of mulch. It insulates the soil from drastic temperature changes. If garlic is subjected to heavy freeze-thaw cycles, it can rot. It can also be pushed out of the ground by frost heave. The mulch also helps soil retain moisture and protects from erosion.
A four-to-six-inch layer of straw is a good choice for insulation. Straw rarely contains weed seeds and adds organic matter to the soil.
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