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Despite the idea that planting occurs in the growing season, garlic can be planted in the fall when other plants are dying back. This may seem counterintuitive, but garlic is remarkably hardy and thrives when planted during this time. To achieve the best results, timing is crucial; ideally, garlic should be planted approximately three weeks after the first frost date in your area. This allows the garlic to undergo the necessary cold period known as vernalization, essential for proper bulb formation.
For those in milder climates, late autumn planting is advisable. Conversely, gardeners in colder regions should aim to plant earlier in the autumn to ensure that their garlic receives enough chilling hours, ideally around 10 weeks at temperatures below 45°F (7°C).