Part 5/7:
In stark contrast, hard neck garlic requires a more strategic approach to planting. Typically, it should be planted about a month before the first frost date in fall — which can range from September to November based on geographical location. This variety needs cold temperatures to trigger the necessary processes for bulb formation. Once planted, expect a much longer cycle: three to four months of growth in spring combined with five to six months of fall and winter dormancy leads to an overall growing period of about eight to ten months.