Posted on October 15, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Planting garlic bulbs in October offers home gardeners around Pittsburg, Kansas, a rewarding way to harvest their own delicious heads of garlic next summer. This practice is favored by hundreds of university extension experts and gardening organizations for good reason: October’s cool temperatures provide ideal conditions for developing strong root systems before winter takes hold, setting the stage for robust summer bulbs.​

Why Plant Garlic Bulbs in October

Planting garlic in the fall is the perfect time of year to ensure a summer harvest. That step helps expose the bulbs to cold temperatures, which is essential for their growth. As a result, you can expect a good garlic harvest next summer.

When planted in mid-to-late October, garlic bulbs benefit from weeks of growth before the ground freezes, developing a healthy foundation throughout the winter months. That timing is particularly suited for the climate in southeast Kansas, mirroring recommendations from leading horticultural institutions in similar growing zones.

Choosing and Preparing Garlic Bulbs

Hardneck varieties are ideal for regions with cold winters like Kansas, as they are more resilient than softneck types. Some popular hardneck varieties for Kansas include ‘Italian Heirloom’ (some varieties are softneck), ‘Elephant Garlic,’ and ‘Music Garlic.’ Purchase healthy, disease-free bulbs from trusted garden centers or local growers; avoid supermarket garlic, which may not be suited to the local conditions or may contain inhibitors.

Divide bulbs into individual cloves just before planting to reduce the risk of disease. Select large cloves for planting, as these generally yield the largest garlic bulbs come harvest time.

Planting Steps

Garlic bulbs are easy to plant and require only basic preparation:​

• Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting.​
• Plant cloves with the pointy end up, two to three inches deep, and space them four to six inches apart in sunny, well-drained soil.​
• Space rows a foot apart to ensure good air circulation.​
• Mulch newly planted garlic beds with two to six inches of clean straw or leaves to protect from winter heaving and suppress weeds.​
• Water the garlic gently after planting and keep the soil moist but not saturated, just until the ground freezes.​

Garlic Bulb Care Through Winter and Spring

After planting garlic bulbs, fall and winter require little attention aside from making sure the mulch stays in place. Once shoots emerge in spring, maintain occasional watering if rainfall is scarce and keep the bed free of weeds, which compete with developing bulbs.​

Harvesting Garlic Bulbs Next Summer

Anticipate the joy of harvesting your garlic bulbs next summer! Typically, the bulbs mature by late June or July, though the harvest may stretch into August depending on weather and variety. Keep an eye out for three or four lower leaves turning yellow or brown while several upper leaves remain green—it’s the sign your bulbs are ready to dig. Once harvested, cure the bulbs in a dry, airy, shady spot for two weeks so their skins become dry and papery, ensuring months of flavorful storage. The wait will be worth it when you enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavor of your homegrown garlic in your kitchen.

• Plant garlic bulbs in mid-to-late October for best results.​
• Choose hardy varieties suited to the local climate.​
• Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting.​
• Mulch well to protect from harsh winter.​
• Harvest garlic bulbs in July when the lower leaves turn yellow.​

Remember, homegrown garlic bulbs add vibrant, fresh flavor to any kitchen and reward gardeners with a sense of accomplishment for seasons to come. By making a plan and following the steps provided, you can look forward to enjoying fresh garlic straight from your garden next summer. So, trust the process, follow the steps, and soon you’ll be savoring the delicious results of your hard work.

Stop In at Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Get ready to grow your own delicious garlic bulbs next summer by planting them this October with expert guidance from Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas. Our staff is here to help you select the perfect garlic bulb varieties suited for local growing conditions and provide all the tips you need for successful planting and care.

Visit us today to pick up your garlic bulbs, quality soil amendments, and mushroom mulching materials. Take advantage of our friendly advice to ensure a bountiful harvest. Don’t wait—start your garlic-growing journey now and enjoy homegrown flavor right from your garden!