Growing Garlic in Georgia

Garlic is one of Georgia's best examples of a crop whose calendar surprises new gardeners: plant it in fall, grow it through winter and harvest in late spring or early summer. UGA recommends late September through November for Georgia planting.

Georgia Garlic Quick Facts

Why Garlic Is Planted in Fall in Georgia

UGA explains that fall planting allows strong leaf and root growth during Georgia's cool season. Garlic needs a period of cool weather for proper bulbing, then longer days and warmer spring temperatures trigger bulb development. Spring planting shortens that cycle too much for dependable yields.

Softneck vs. Hardneck Garlic in Georgia

Softneck types, including Artichoke and Silverskin types, are generally better adapted to Southern winters. Hardneck types may grow in Georgia, particularly in colder areas, but generally prefer more northern conditions. UGA identifies California Early as a softneck type that has performed well in Georgia trials.

How to Plant Garlic Cloves

Georgia Companion Planting with Garlic

Garlic can share beds with many vegetables, but the most important planning rule is rotation. UGA specifically advises against planting garlic where onions or other onion-family crops were grown previously. Garlic, onions, leeks and related Alliums can share disease and pest problems.

In mixed beds, garlic's narrow upright growth can fit around larger crops without creating much shade. Do not rely on garlic as a magical pest repellent; use companion planting for efficient space, diversity and beneficial-insect habitat while maintaining proper rotation.

North Georgia vs. South Georgia Garlic

Georgia soil and water management changes by region. UGA notes that lighter South Georgia soils generally need more frequent, smaller irrigations, while heavier North Georgia soils hold water longer. In colder parts of the state, cloves can be planted slightly deeper and mulched for winter protection.

When Is Georgia Garlic Ready to Harvest?

UGA places harvest from about late May to mid-July depending on location. Begin checking when roughly one-third to one-half of the leaves have died back. Stop irrigation as tops dry, loosen bulbs carefully with a fork and avoid waiting so long that bulbs deteriorate.

Curing and Storing Garlic

Dry healthy bulbs thoroughly with good airflow, then store them in a cool, dark, ventilated place. Keep whole bulbs out of the refrigerator for routine storage; excessive moisture and temperature changes can encourage sprouting or deterioration.

Georgia Vegetables Growing Guides Seasonal Produce Pest & Disease Help

Garlic Recipes

Garlic butter shrimp with lemon and parsley

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Juicy shrimp cooked in garlic butter with optional red-pepper heat.

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Sauté: 8 min
  • Total Time: 23 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
  4. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
  5. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp just before serving.
  6. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Creamy roasted garlic hummus in a serving bowl

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Creamy chickpea hummus blended with roasted garlic, tahini, lemon and olive oil.

  • Yield: About 2 cups
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Roast: 40 min
  • Total Time: 55 min

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 head of garlic, roasted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
  • Paprika and olive oil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place it on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it up. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the garlic is soft and golden.
  3. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, roasted garlic cloves, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika.
  7. Serve with pita bread, carrot sticks, or your favorite dipping vegetables.

More Garlic Recipes

Golden garlic herb focaccia with roasted garlic, rosemary, thyme and crisp olive-oil dimples

Garlic Herb Focaccia

Roasted garlic is mashed into this olive-oil dough and fresh herbs are pressed across the top for a fragrant, yeast-raised garden bread.

  • Yield: One 9-by-13-inch loaf, about 12 pieces
  • Prep: 30 min
  • Rise: 1 hr 30 min
  • Total Time: 3 hr 26 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole head garlic
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 3/4 cups warm water, about 105°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus flaky salt for topping
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top from the garlic head, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, wrap in foil and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until soft. Cool, squeeze out the cloves and mash them.
  2. Stir the warm water, yeast and honey together and let stand for 5 minutes. Add the mashed garlic, flour, kosher salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead with a mixer or by hand for 6 to 8 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stretch the dough into the pan, cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  5. Heat the oven to 425°F. Dimple the dough deeply with oiled fingertips, drizzle with the remaining olive oil and scatter with rosemary, thyme and flaky salt.
  6. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until deeply golden. Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Recipe note: The dough should remain soft and slightly sticky; adding too much flour makes focaccia dense. Store airtight for up to 2 days or freeze sliced.

Creamy roasted garlic soup with golden garlic cloves, herbs and a light cream swirl

Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup

Four whole heads of roasted garlic create the mellow, savory backbone of this velvety soup, with potato used only to provide body.

  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Roast: 1 hr 16 min
  • Total Time: 1 hr 31 min

Ingredients

  • 4 whole heads garlic
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Cut the tops from the garlic heads, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, until deeply soft and golden.
  2. Cool enough to handle, then squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins.
  3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes, until translucent.
  4. Add the roasted garlic, potato, broth, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, until the potato is tender.
  5. Blend until completely smooth. Stir in the cream and warm over low heat without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Recipe note: The potato thickens the soup without competing with the garlic. Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently.

Keep Exploring Georgia's Garden

Continue with our Georgia growing guides, seasonal produce guide, pest and disease help and garden-to-kitchen recipes.

Georgia timing note: statewide dates are planning guides. UGA notes that extreme South Georgia can run roughly two to three weeks earlier in spring than middle Georgia, while North Georgia can run one to three weeks later; fall timing shifts in the opposite direction. Always adjust for local weather and frost dates.

Keep Exploring GA Garden

Georgia Planting Calendar · Companion Planting · Fall Gardening in Georgia · Georgia First Frost Dates · Harvesting Guides · Three Sisters & Companion Growing · Georgia Growing Guides