September 30, 2025, 1:38 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Garlic from your own garden or balcony? If you get active in the fall, you can enjoy aromatic bulbs in the summer. Timing is crucial, and right now is the perfect time to plant garlic. Here’s what matters when planting, caring for, and harvesting.
Why now is the right time to plant garlic
Whether in the garden bed or on the balcony, garlic is easy to grow yourself. The best time to start is in the fall—specifically September or October. According to the magazine “Ökotest,” the bulbs grow larger when planted in the fall because the plants have more time to grow until the harvest in July.
Choosing the right bulb
For successful cultivation, selecting the right planting material is crucial. “Ökotest” advises against using regular garlic from the supermarket. Instead, opt for winter garlic from a specialty store or so-called “mother bulbs” from local cultivation.
Location and soil: How garlic thrives
Garlic prefers a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, loose, and well-drained soil. This applies to both garden cultivation and growing in pots or flower boxes on the balcony. An additional benefit: Garlic in the garden can keep pests away and prevent fungal diseases.
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Step-by-step guide to planting garlic correctly
With a few simple steps, planting is done:
- Loosen the soil slightly
- Insert garlic cloves with the skin about four to five centimeters deep, with the tip facing up
- Maintain a distance of ten to fifteen centimeters between cloves
- In the garden bed, also keep a row distance of 25 to 30 centimeters
- Cover with soil and water lightly
How to care for garlic properly
Garlic is considered low-maintenance. It’s important to avoid waterlogging—too much water harms the plants. Water only as needed, keeping the leaves as dry as possible. During rainy periods, a tarp over the bed helps prevent mold.
Garlic is also undemanding when it comes to fertilizer. Weeds should be removed regularly, and additional nutrients are usually not necessary. In severe frost, a thin layer of mulch is recommended. For those growing garlic on the balcony, it’s best to place the pots against the house wall in winter to protect them from the wind.