Growing garlic in Victoria

[Bobby]

Hello,

Bobby here. I’m planning to plant garlic in my garden and would appreciate any advice on the optimal planting time and best practices for our region. Looking forward to learning from and engaging with this forum!

[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

[Author]

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