Growing Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are cool-season crops that reward good timing.
The biggest mistake is treating all onion varieties as interchangeable.
Onion Day Length Matters
Bulb onions begin forming bulbs in response to day length.
Southern gardeners generally need onion types suited to shorter day lengths.
Choose varieties recommended for the Southeast rather than grabbing any onion set on the shelf.
When to Plant Onions
In Central Alabama, bulb onions are commonly planted from about January 15 through March 15, with another planting period in fall depending on the type and region.
Green onions can be planted through much of the cool season.
Seeds, Sets, or Plants?
You can grow onions from:
- Seed
- Sets
- Transplants
Transplants are often the easiest route to large bulbs for beginners.
Soil and Sun
Onions prefer:
- Full sun
- Loose, well-drained soil
- Consistent moisture
- Low weed competition
Their shallow roots compete poorly with weeds.
Watering
Keep moisture consistent during active growth.
Reduce watering as bulbs mature and tops begin to fall.
Harvesting Onions
When tops naturally fall over and begin drying:
- Lift bulbs carefully.
- Cure them in a dry, ventilated place.
- Trim tops after curing.
- Store appropriate varieties in a cool, dry place.
Not every onion variety stores equally well.
Growing Garlic
Garlic is typically planted in fall and harvested the following late spring or early summer.
Plant Individual Cloves
Separate a bulb shortly before planting.
Plant the largest healthy cloves.
Keep the pointed end facing upward.
Garlic Spacing
Plant cloves several inches apart with enough room for bulb development.
Mulch helps protect soil and control weeds.
Watering Garlic
Keep garlic evenly moist during active spring growth.
Reduce water as leaves begin yellowing and harvest approaches.
Harvest Garlic
Harvest when lower leaves have browned but several upper leaves remain green.
Do not wait until every leaf has died.
Cure Garlic
Dry whole plants in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Once cured, trim roots and tops.
GardenGrowz Tip
For both onions and garlic, variety selection and planting timing matter as much as anything you do later.
