How to Plant Garlic for Bigger Bulbs (Step-by-Step Guide)

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, but small details make a big difference.

If you want to know how to plant garlic for 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 are not paying attention.

Here’s what actually matters when planting garlic.

How to Plant Garlic Starts With Good Seed Garlic

You can do everything else right and still get mediocre results if you plant weak garlic.

We 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.

Also, avoid planting grocery store garlic. It is often treated or not adapted to your growing conditions.

Each clove becomes one plant. Bigger clove = stronger start = bigger bulb at harvest.

We stick to three simple rules:

• Plant the largest cloves

• Skip small or damaged cloves

• Avoid grocery store garlic

Break It Apart Right Before You Plant

Don’t separate your bulbs weeks ahead of time.

We usually break them apart the same day or the day before planting.

Leave the paper (skin) on each clove. That outer layer helps protect it while it’s sitting in the soil getting established.

That said—don’t obsess over it.

Sometimes the paper comes off when you break bulbs apart. In our experience, those cloves usually do just fine.

Healthy cloves matter more than perfect skins.

Soil Matters (Especially in Oregon)

Garlic doesn’t like sitting in wet soil.

If your ground holds water, you’ll end up with smaller bulbs—or worse, rot.

This is especially important here in western Oregon. We get a lot of rain, and heavy soil can stay wet longer than garlic likes.

Good drainage makes a huge difference. Loose soil or raised beds will consistently produce better garlic.

If you’re not sure about your soil, it’s worth taking the time to improve it before planting.

Better soil = better bulbs.

Planting Depth (Don’t Overthink It)

We plant garlic about 2–3 inches deep.

That measurement is from the top of the clove to the soil surface.

If you look at the diagram above, that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.

Too shallow and cloves can be exposed to cold or drying.

Too deep and growth can slow down a bit.

There’s some forgiveness here—just stay in that general range and you’ll be fine.

Consistent depth = consistent growth.

Spacing (This Is Where People Mess Up)

If you want big bulbs, you have to give them room.

We plant garlic about 6 inches apart in the row.

It can feel like you’re wasting space—but you’re not.

Every time we’ve seen garlic planted tighter than that, the bulbs come out smaller. No exceptions.

If you look at the diagram above, that spacing is exactly what you’re aiming for.

Give each plant enough room, and it will reward you at harvest.

Spacing is one of the biggest factors in bulb size.

How We Lay Out Rows

We plant in long rows and leave enough space between beds to actually move around.

That might not seem important at first, but it matters when you're weeding, watering, and harvesting.

Garlic stays in the ground for most of the year—set it up so it’s easy to work.

Good layout makes everything else easier.

Mulch (Helpful, But Not Perfect)

We’ve used straw, and it works—but it can come with seeds. We’ve definitely had wheat pop up from straw before.

Mulch helps with a few important things:

• Weed control

• Moisture retention

• Soil protection

But it’s not “set it and forget it.” You’ll still be pulling some weeds.

Mulch helps—but it doesn’t replace good maintenance.

If You’re Getting Ready to Plant

Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow.

Get the basics right—good cloves, proper spacing, and well-drained soil—and everything else gets easier.

If you're planning your fall planting, choosing the right seed garlic is the first step.

We grow and select varieties that perform well in Oregon conditions and produce strong, reliable harvests.

Have a question about planting garlic? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.

Browse our seed garlic varieties:

Browse Seed Garlic