RAPID CITY, S.D. — If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to plant garlic, that time has arrived. In the Black Hills, mid- to late October is ideal for getting those cloves tucked in before the ground freezes. Garlic planted in fall will spend the winter establishing strong roots and reward you with big, flavorful bulbs next summer.
Choose the Right Garlic
There are two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic performs best in colder climates like ours, producing large cloves and a flower stalk known as a scape in early summer. Softneck varieties store longer but prefer milder winters. For the Black Hills, hardneck is usually the best bet.
Prepare the Soil
Garlic loves loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Work compost into your bed and loosen the soil at least 8 inches deep. Avoid soggy spots — garlic won’t tolerate sitting in water.
How to Plant
- Separate the bulbs into individual cloves just before planting.
- Plant each clove pointy end up, about 2 inches deep.
- Space them 4–6 inches apart, with rows about 12 inches apart.
- Water well after planting to help them settle in.
Mulch for Winter Protection
Once planted, cover the bed with 3–6 inches of straw, leaves, or grass clippings. The mulch protects against temperature swings, keeps moisture consistent, and suppresses weeds.
Spring Care
When shoots begin to appear in spring, pull back the mulch slightly to allow sunlight to reach the plants. Keep the bed weed-free, water during dry spells, and cut off any flower scapes that appear to encourage bigger bulbs.
Harvest Time
Garlic is usually ready to harvest by mid- to late July when about half of the leaves have turned brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, brush off the soil, and let them cure in a cool, dry, shady spot for two to three weeks before storing.
Planting garlic now means next summer’s harvest will be bursting with homegrown flavor. It’s one of the easiest crops to grow — and one of the most rewarding to pull from the soil.