Garlic Bulbs – Growing Garlic in Northern Ireland

When to Pre-Order Garlic in Northern Ireland

Garlic pre-orders open in August on Growseed. Ordering early ensures you get your preferred varieties before the autumn planting rush. Softneck and hardneck varieties like ‘Solent Wight’ and ‘Mikulov Wight’ are popular choices for Northern Irish gardeners.

When to Plant Garlic in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s mild, wet winters mean timing and drainage are key:

• Autumn (October–November): Well-suited to most of the region, especially with free-draining soil or raised beds. Ideal for cold-hardy varieties like ‘Carcassonne Wight’ and ‘Picardy Wight’.
• Spring (February–March): Best for heavier, wetter soils. Choose softneck types such as ‘Solent Wight’ or ‘Maddock Wight’ to avoid overwintering losses.

How to Grow Garlic in Northern Ireland

Garlic prefers a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Raised beds or ridges help prevent rot in wetter areas. Plant cloves 2–3cm deep and 15cm apart, pointed end up. Avoid planting in freshly manured ground and rotate crops annually to prevent disease. Weed regularly and reduce watering as the bulbs start to mature in late spring.

When to Harvest Garlic in Northern Ireland

Autumn-planted garlic is typically ready to harvest in late June to July, while spring-sown garlic matures slightly later — around late July to August. Lift when the lower leaves start to yellow and hang or lay out to dry thoroughly before storing.

Tips for Growing Garlic in Northern Ireland

• Pre-order bulbs in August for best selection
• Use raised beds or ridges to improve drainage
• Choose autumn planting for early harvests, or spring planting in heavy soils
• Grow in full sun and rotate crops each year
• Dry harvested garlic well to avoid storage issues

Recommended Garlic Varieties for Northern Ireland

• Elephant Garlic – Mild, giant cloves; suitable for fertile, well-drained soil
• Solent Wight – Softneck with great storage; ideal for spring or autumn planting
• Picardy Wight – Robust and reliable for wet regions
• Carcassonne Wight – Hardy hardneck perfect for overwintering in raised beds
• Mikulov Wight – Cold-tolerant Czech variety; good for autumn planting
• Maddock Wight – Early-maturing softneck; best in spring for wetter soils

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