The Very Best Time To Plant Allium Bulbs In Your Garden For A Tasty Summer Harvest

The secret to a great harvest of onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks is planting them at the perfect time. Getting the timing right is important, since planting at the wrong time can result in a disappointing crop. The right time to plant allium bulbs depends on the specific variety and your local climate. When it comes to what you need to know about growing garlic, the best time is in the fall, after the first hard frost but before the ground freezes solid. This window typically runs from September to November in most climates. Onions, shallots, and leeks can be planted in either the spring or fall.

This important period of dormancy and rooting for fall-planted bulbs gives the plants the strength to grow healthy bulbs for a late spring or summer harvest. A fall planting allows garlic bulbs to grow a strong root system and undergo vernalization, a cold period that produces large, healthy bulbs. This makes sure that the plant is ready to kick into high gear when spring arrives.

Choosing the right spot for your alliums is just as important as getting the timing right. Knowing what not to plant with onions is another important factor. Onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks thrive in full sun, so a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight is perfect. They also need well-draining soil, and they don't do well in soggy conditions where water puddles after it rains. Bulbs sitting in wet soil can easily rot, which will prevent them from growing at all.

To test your soil's drainage, you can dig a small hole and fill it with water. If the water drains away in a few minutes, you're good to go. If not, you will want to add some compost or other organic material to help the water drain faster. When you plant, place the bulbs with their pointy end facing up, at a depth of about two to three inches below the surface. The spacing between each bulb should be around 6 to 8 inches to give each plant enough room to grow.

Onion and shallot bulbs should be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. In milder climates, they can also be planted in the fall and still produce a harvest. Leek bulbs are very cold-hardy and can be planted in the fall for a winter harvest or in the spring for a crop you can enjoy in the summer. Some gardeners wonder whether garlic will grow if planted in the spring. It will grow, but without forming full bulbs, since garlic requires cold weather to develop properly.

No matter the season, the initial watering is an important part of the process. Giving the bulbs a good, deep drink after planting helps settle the soil and starts the rooting process. After the first watering, you can generally leave them alone. Allium bulbs are quite resilient and can handle cold weather without much help. They don't need a lot of water during their dormant period, but you should make sure they don't dry out completely. Matching the right planting time to the specific type of bulb is the most important step for a successful harvest.