How to Plant Garlic for Bigger Bulbs (Step-by-Step Guide)
, by Earthwise Garlic, 2 min reading time
Learn how to plant garlic for bigger bulbs with proven steps covering clove selection, planting depth, spacing, soil, and mulch.
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, but small details make a real difference in bulb size. If you want bigger bulbs, start with the basics: good seed garlic, the right planting depth, enough spacing, and soil that drains well.
We grow garlic in western Oregon, where wet soil and weeds can work against you if you're not paying attention. Here's what actually matters when planting garlic.
Start with Good Seed Garlic
You can do everything else right and still get mediocre results if you plant weak garlic. Always plant the largest cloves from each bulb. Small cloves will grow, but they almost always produce smaller bulbs. Skip anything that is soft, damaged, or unusually small.
Avoid planting grocery store garlic. It is often treated with sprout inhibitors or not adapted to your growing conditions. Our three simple rules: plant the largest cloves, skip small or damaged ones, and don't use grocery store garlic.
Break Bulbs Apart Right Before You Plant
Don't separate your bulbs weeks ahead of time. Break them apart the same day or the day before planting. Leave the papery skin on each clove — that outer layer protects it while it establishes in the soil. If the paper comes off when you break the bulbs apart, don't worry. Healthy cloves matter more than perfect skins.
Soil and Drainage
Garlic doesn't like sitting in wet soil. If your ground holds water, you'll end up with smaller bulbs or rot. This is especially important in western Oregon, where heavy spring rain can keep soil saturated longer than garlic likes. Loose soil or raised beds consistently produce better garlic. If drainage is questionable in your garden, take the time to improve it before planting. Better drainage equals better bulbs.
Planting Depth
Plant cloves 2 to 3 inches deep, measured from the top of the clove to the soil surface. Pointed end up, flat basal plate facing down. Too shallow and cloves can be exposed to cold or drying. Too deep and emergence can slow. There's some forgiveness in the range — stay between 2 and 3 inches and you'll be fine.
Spacing
Give each clove 6 inches in the row, with rows 12 inches apart. It can feel like you're wasting space, but you're not. Every time we've seen garlic planted tighter than 6 inches, the bulbs come out smaller. No exceptions. Spacing is one of the biggest single factors in bulb size.
Mulch After Planting
Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch over the bed immediately after planting. Straw works well if it's seed-free. Shredded leaves are excellent if you have them. Mulch suppresses weeds through the long growing season, retains moisture in spring, and protects the bed through winter. We've grown garlic without mulch and with mulch — the difference shows clearly at harvest.
Ready to plant? Browse our seed garlic varieties. All six ship in September for fall planting. Have a question? Reach out anytime.