Spotlight on a Crop

In this month's Spotlight on a Crop, Sascha Andrusiak and Dr Chris Williams talk us through everything we need to know about planting and harvesting garlic.

Growing Garlic

A number of garlic cloves are held out on a palm.It fights colds and flu, builds the immune system, wards off creatures of the night and most importantly tastes excellent!

When to plant it

Mid March - Winter solstice, 21 June.

Best time in Melbourne: May

Where to get it

Organic supermarkets, online through garden suppliers, from friends. Do not use garlic from the regular supermarket as it has often been treated with chemicals to reduce sprouting and growth.

Where to plant it

Full sun in vegetable gardens – raised or otherwise. Pots are okay but make sure they are deep and evenly watered.

How to plant it

Ensure a well drained, friable soil. Dig the soil over to at least 40 cm depth and add some well rotted compost or manure. Wait a few weeks before planting. Plant cloves about 5 cm deep 15-20 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart.

How to look after it

Keep soil evenly moist even through winter – but always well drained. Keep weed free and feed fortnightly with liquid feed starting in July. Mulch between rows and around plants. Look out for pests such as aphids and treat as required.

When to harvest

7-8 months after planting. Wait until the leaves begin to die back and then have a look at bulb development. Hopefully the bulbs are large and hard. Wait for a warm dry day (soil and bulbs relatively dry) and gently lift the bulbs. Leave the leaves on and place the garlic in dry sheltered spot so the leaves can dry. Trim the roots.

How to store

Traditionally the garlic is braided and bulbs broken off as required. Hang braids in a cool breezy location.

Hint: Save your fattest bulbs/cloves for replanting the next year.

Garlic can also be grown from bulbils which are asexually produced small bulbs that form on a scape or flower like structure. These bulbils are small and take 3 years to produce a good sized bulb. Large batches of bulbils can be planted out and the shoots harvested as a culinary treat!


Sascha Andrusiak is a former Burnley student who has worked in technical, research and teaching roles over her 21 years at Burnley Campus. Her current role is Horticultural Services Officer.

Dr Chris Williams is an Honorary Fellow at Burnley. He also teaches a subject called Food Production for Urban Landscape in the Master of Urban Horticulture. Check out his Instagram @peopleplantslandscapes.

  • Planting Guide