Reply To: Growing garlic in Victoria

[Gary Clarke]

Hi Bobby,

Great choice—garlic is such a rewarding crop to grow! In Victoria, the ideal planting time is from mid-autumn to early winter, typically between April and June. This gives the cloves a chance to establish strong roots before winter, ensuring a healthy start for spring growth.

Here are some key tips to maximise your garlic harvest:

Soil Prep: Garlic thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Mix in compost or aged manure before planting.
Planting: Separate the cloves and plant them with the pointy side up, about 2–3 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart. This spacing allows the bulbs to develop properly.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the initial root development stage.
Mulching: Add a layer of straw or sugarcane mulch to help retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
Fertilising: Start with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser during early growth, then ease off as the bulbs begin to form.

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a successful garlic harvest. Let me know if you have more questions—I’m happy to help.

Cheers,
Gary