Plant Garlic Now, a Boise Gardener’s Guide
October 26, 2026 | News
Think gardening season is over? Think again!
While most of us are busy raking leaves, putting away garden tools, and getting our yards ready for winter, there’s one thing Boise gardeners should still be planting: GARLIC!
Fall is actually one of the best times to plant garlic in the Treasure Valley. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to grow.
A little digging now can mean fresh, homegrown garlic next summer. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, here’s everything you need to know.
When Should You Plant Garlic in Boise?
October and November are prime garlic planting months in Boise!
The goal is to get your garlic cloves in the ground before the soil freezes, giving them time to begin developing roots before winter settles in.
Garlic needs a period of cold weather to help develop into those beautiful, full-sized bulbs you’ll harvest next summer.
FarWest Tip: Don’t worry if you see a little green growth before winter. Garlic is hardy, and those shoots can usually handle the cold.
How to Plant Garlic in 5 Easy Steps
You don’t need a green thumb or fancy equipment to grow garlic. Just a sunny spot, a few garlic bulbs, and a little patience!
1. Pick the Right Garlic
Not all garlic is the same! Hardneck varieties are especially popular for colder climates like Boise because they handle winter temperatures well.
Look for quality seed garlic intended for planting rather than grabbing a random bulb from the grocery store.
2. Find a Sunny Spot
Garlic loves sunshine! Choose a garden bed that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Mixing in some compost before planting can help improve soil structure and give your garlic a healthy start.
3. Break Apart Your Bulbs
Here’s where the fun starts!
Gently separate your garlic bulb into individual cloves. Each clove has the potential to grow into an entire new bulb of garlic.
Leave the papery skin on each clove, and try to keep the base intact.
4. Plant Pointy Side Up!
Plant each clove about 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up and the flat root end facing down.
Space cloves approximately 6 inches apart to give each bulb room to grow.
5. Water and Let Winter Do Its Thing
Once your garlic is planted, give the bed a good watering if the soil is dry.
Then comes the easiest part: waiting!
Your garlic will spend the colder months establishing roots and getting ready for spring growth.
When Will Your Garlic Be Ready to Harvest?
Garlic planted in the fall is typically ready to harvest in late June or July in the Boise area.
Watch for the lower leaves to begin turning brown while several upper leaves remain green. That’s usually your sign to check whether the bulbs are ready.
Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork rather than pulling hard on the stems.
If you’re growing hardneck garlic, you’ll also get garlic scapes in late spring or early summer. These curly flower stalks are edible and delicious in pesto, stir-fries, and more!
3 Common Garlic Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Planting too close together: Garlic needs room to develop nice, full bulbs. Give those cloves some space!
Overwatering: Garlic doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil, especially during winter. Good drainage is essential.
Waiting until spring: While spring planting is possible, fall planting generally gives garlic more time to establish and produce larger bulbs.
Ready to Grow Your Own Garlic?
There’s something pretty satisfying about growing an ingredient you use in your kitchen all the time. And garlic is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden productive even as temperatures drop.
Whether you’re planting a few cloves in a raised bed or dedicating an entire garden row to garlic, now’s the time to get started!
Stop by FarWest Landscape & Garden Center at 5728 W. State Street in Boise for gardening supplies and expert advice to help you get planting.
Plant it this fall. Forget about it for a while. Enjoy the harvest next summer!