Considering planting store-bought garlic? Read on to discover the risks associated with using grocery store garlic in your vegetable garden.

Seed garlic is certified disease-free, unlike table garlic sold in stores. Grocery store garlic may carry viruses like white rot, posing a risk of soil contamination. Opt for seed garlic to avoid introducing harmful diseases to your garden soil.

Seed garlic is also certified to be free from diseases, something that table garlic for cooking is not. That means grocery store garlic can present a risk of spreading viruses into the vegetable garden when planted. Some of these viruses, such as white rot, can then remain present in the soil.

Why not plant supermarket garlic?

Planting supermarket garlic is not recommended due to potential issues with diseases, viruses, and nematodes. Most garlic from grocery stores is sourced from regions like China or California where these problems exist. Although the bulbs may appear healthy, invisible pests could lurk within them, posing a threat to your soil.

– Opt for locally sourced garlic varieties to ensure better soil health and successful growth.
– Consider planting garlic from a reputable seed supplier to avoid introducing harmful pathogens to your garden.
– Regularly monitor your garlic plants for any signs of disease or infestation to prevent spreading to other crops.

Can you plant store bought garlic?

Yes, you can plant store-bought garlic. Break the garlic heads into individual cloves before planting, preserving as much of the papery covering as possible. Plant the cloves 3-4 inches deep with the pointed ends facing up. Gently water the soil to settle it, then cover the bed with a 4-6 inch layer of straw. This will help insulate the garlic and regulate soil temperature for optimal growth.

Why do you soak garlic before planting?

Soaking garlic before planting offers benefits like increased germination rate, larger, healthier cloves, and reduced risk of disease. (22 words)

1. Soaking helps soften the cloves, making them easier to plant.
2. It enhances the absorption of water and nutrients.
3. Soaking can stimulate the cloves to break dormancy and start growing. (23 words)

Does garlic keep ants away?


Yes, garlic can keep ants away when planted strategically. Interplant strawberries with garlic cloves placed 4-6 inches away from each strawberry plant. Alternatively, plant garlic cloves in a central row, spacing them 3-4 inches apart and 1-2 inches deep, then position strawberries 5-6 inches away from the center on each side of the row. This method helps deter ants effectively.

How do I prepare garlic for planting?

To prepare garlic for planting, break up the garlic heads into individual cloves, ensuring to keep the papery covering on each clove intact. Plant the cloves 3″ to 4″ deep with the pointy ends facing upward. Water gently to settle the soil and cover the bed with a layer of straw 4″ to 6″ deep. This will help protect the garlic during winter and promote healthy growth in the spring.

What does not like to be planted with garlic?

Which plants do not thrive when planted alongside garlic? Most pests that affect onions like onion thrips, onion maggots, grasshoppers, and gophers also target garlic. To maintain healthy garlic growth, rotate planting locations every three years to prevent pest buildup and maintain soil health.

Where can you not plant garlic?

Avoid planting garlic near peas, beans, melon, or asparagus to prevent stunting their growth. Additionally, it is best not to plant garlic close to other alliums like onions and leeks as this could attract onion maggots. Be mindful of these plant combinations for successful gardening.

Can onions and garlic be planted next to each other?

Yes, onions and garlic can be planted next to each other. However, it is important to note that garlic grows roots and shoots from specific parts of its clove. If planted upside down, the shoot will struggle to grow upwards, making it more difficult to care for and harvest the garlic. To ensure successful growth when planting onions and garlic together, follow these tips:
1. Plant garlic cloves right side up to promote proper growth.
2. Provide adequate spacing between onions and garlic to avoid overcrowding.
3. Monitor the growth of both plants regularly for optimal care.

Will garlic grow if planted upside down?

Yes, garlic will not grow properly if planted upside down. The shoot will struggle to grow towards the surface, making it harder for the garlic plant to thrive and be harvested efficiently. This also complicates the curing and storing process of the garlic bulbs. It is important to plant garlic cloves with the correct orientation to ensure successful growth and ease of maintenance.

What happens if you never harvest garlic?

If you never harvest garlic, the cloves will mature into full heads. Just before planting, separate the garlic heads into individual cloves, leaving the papery covering on each. Plant the cloves 3-4 inches deep with their pointy ends facing up. Water gently, settle the soil, and cover the bed with 4-6 inches of straw to protect the garlic during the winter and aid growth in spring.

Are animals attracted to garlic?


Yes, animals are attracted to garlic. In addition to underground critters, surface animals like squirrels and rabbits dig up garlic and onion for consumption. Furthermore, various insects also consume garlic as part of their diet. This makes garlic a lure not only for underground dwellers but also for animals above ground and insects in the surrounding environment.

Can you plant anything in between garlic?

Yes, you can plant companion herbs such as yarrow and tarragon in between garlic. These plants aid in the growth and health of garlic. Additionally, chamomile can enhance the flavor of garlic, while rue is effective in repelling maggots, a common pest for garlic plants. Selecting the right companion plants is key to promoting a successful and thriving garlic garden.

What does not like to grow near garlic?

Some plants that suffer when near garlic include asparagus, peas, beans, sage, and parsley, as their growth can be stunted. Keep these plants far away from garlic to ensure healthy growth. Additionally, garlic is beneficial for deterring pests like aphids and beetles in the garden due to its strong scent and natural compounds.

Do I need to soak garlic cloves before planting?

*NOTE – It is not mandatory that you soak garlic before planting. In fact, there are many successful garlic growers who omit this step. They simply plant the cloves right into the ground and still get a wonderful garlic crop.

Do mice eat garlic?

Plants That Repel Mice Catnip: Catnip may also bring mouse-hunting cats to your garden. Most herbs: Mints and lavender are especially good. Garlic and onions: Garlic and onions both have strong scents that mice don’t care for.

In conclusion, planting store-bought garlic is indeed possible and can yield successful results with proper care and attention. By choosing quality garlic bulbs, preparing the soil adequately, and providing the necessary growing conditions, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh garlic at home. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to try something new, don’t hesitate to give it a go and experience the joy of growing your own garlic right from your own backyard. Happy planting!