Planting Garlic in Georgia: Why Fall is the Secret Season for Big Harvests - tenisio Seanima - Fresh Oasis Garden Manager

By tenisio Seanima

Planting Garlic in Georgia: Why Fall is the Secret Season for Big Harvests

If you live in Georgia (USDA Zone 8), you may think the gardening season slows down after summer. But fall is actually one of the best times to set yourself up for a bountiful harvest next year — especially when it comes to garlic and perennial alliums.

At Garden Like a Boss, we believe in teaching methods that go beyond the basics. Garlic, onions, and other alliums are powerhouse crops that not only flavor your food but also boost your garden’s health and resilience. And the secret to growing them successfully in East Point and beyond? Start in the fall.

Why Plant Garlic in the Fall?

Unlike tomatoes or peppers, garlic doesn’t mind the cold. In fact, it needs a period of chilly weather to form big, flavorful bulbs. By planting in late September through November, you’re giving garlic plenty of time to establish strong roots before winter.

Come spring, the plants will surge with energy, producing larger bulbs than anything planted in spring. Think of it like a head start: fall planting = bigger harvests.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Zone 8

Not all garlic is created equal. In Georgia’s climate, here are a few winners:

• Softneck Garlic (Artichoke or Silverskin types): Stores well, easy to braid, great for beginners.

• Hardneck Garlic (Rocambole, Purple Stripe): Rich flavor, produces edible garlic scapes in spring.

• Elephant Garlic: Technically a leek, but grows massive bulbs that impress at markets.

And don’t overlook perennial onions like Egyptian Walking Onions or multiplier shallots — they come back year after year with little fuss.

Step-by-Step: Planting Garlic in Georgia

1. Prep the Bed: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Add compost or aged manure. Garlic loves rich soil.

2. Break the Bulb: Separate cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. Only plant the biggest, healthiest cloves.

3. Plant: Pointy side up, 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart. Rows can be 12 inches apart.

4. Mulch: Cover with straw, leaves, or pine needles to protect through winter.

5. Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy until the first frost. After that, nature takes over until spring.

Bonus: Think Beyond Fresh Garlic

In the forthcoming Garden Like a Boss class, we’ll also talk about how garlic can be turned into value-added products — like black garlic, garlic powder, or garlic-infused oils. These not only preserve your harvest but also add economic value if you’re selling at markets.

Why Perennial Alliums Deserve a Place in Your Garden

While garlic is a yearly crop, perennial alliums like walking onions, chives, and society garlic provide flavor and resilience year-round. Plant once, harvest for years. They’re perfect for busy growers who want productivity without replanting every season.

Final Thoughts

Fall gardening in Georgia isn’t about shutting down — it’s about setting up the next season for success. Planting garlic and perennial alliums now means you’ll be harvesting rich, flavorful bulbs when the summer garden is just getting started.

Ready to learn hands-on? Join us for the Garden Like a Boss class on September 27th in East Point, GA. We’ll walk you through planting, caring, and even cooking tips for garlic and perennial alliums — and you’ll leave confident enough to boss your garden year-round.

Call-to-Action (CTA):

“Reserve your spot for the Garden Like a Boss class series today. Spaces are limited, and garlic waits for no one!”

2025 Garden Like A Boss | Fall - Winter | Garlic

2025 Garden Like A Boss | Fall - Winter | Garlic

Sep 27, 2025

11AM – 1PM

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$25 per class. Join us for the 2025 Garden Like A Boss Series led by tenisio seanima. Learn how to enhance your quality of life, reduce dependency on commercial systems, create a productive urban space and so much more. We can't wait to see you at the Fresh Oasis Community Garden.