How to Grow Garlic in the UK

Garlic is a reliable crop to grow in the UK and is often planted in autumn for harvest the following summer. It grows well in garden beds, raised beds, or containers with good drainage.

Garlic is usually grown from individual cloves rather than seeds.

With loose soil, sunlight, and steady watering, garlic usually grows reliably.

Planting garlic cloves

Garlic is grown by planting individual cloves into the soil.

Cloves are usually planted with the pointed end facing upward.

Roots develop over winter, and growth continues in spring.

Soil and position

Garlic grows best in:

• loose, well-drained soil

• compost-rich beds

• sunny locations

Adding compost before planting helps support growth.

You can read more in best soil for vegetable gardening in the UK.

Watering garlic

Garlic needs steady moisture during active growth.

For watering advice, see how often to water garlic.

Growing garlic in containers

Garlic can grow well in containers filled with compost.

For container advice, see growing garlic in containers.

Harvesting garlic

Garlic is usually harvested in summer, once leaves begin to yellow.

For harvesting advice, see when to harvest garlic.

A low-maintenance crop

Garlic grows well in the UK climate and usually requires little maintenance once planted.

With good soil and sunlight, garlic often produces reliable bulbs.