In Georgia, the best time to plant garlic is generally in the fall, from late September through November. Specifically:
- For USDA hardiness zones 7-9, which cover much of Georgia, the recommended planting time is late October into November.
- Planting in early to mid-November is common, as garlic benefits from having some freeze time but not too much time to grow before winter. The soil should ideally be cool but not frozen solid.
- It's suggested to plant garlic cloves 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes to allow good root development.
- Garlic prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and planting cloves about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart is ideal.
- Mulching after planting helps protect the garlic during winter.
So for Georgia gardeners, planting garlic from late September through November, with a preference for October to early November, is optimal to ensure healthy bulb development by spring.
