Domakihub Grow Your Own Garlic: A Step-by-Step Guide
From planting cloves to harvesting full bulbs — everything you need to know.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow in Greece — the Mediterranean climate suits it perfectly, and a single planting in autumn delivers a full harvest by early summer. The video above walks through the whole process visually; this article breaks it down into clear, ordered steps so you can follow along whether you have a garden bed, a terrace planter, or a corner of a hotel courtyard. Whether you manage a family home in Athens or a holiday rental in the Peloponnese, fresh homegrown garlic is a practical upgrade that costs almost nothing to start.
Why Garlic Thrives in Greece
Greece's dry summers and mild winters create near-ideal conditions for hardneck and softneck garlic varieties alike. The cool but frost-light winters give bulbs the cold period they need to form properly, and the long spring allows steady leafy growth before harvest. Local softneck varieties such as 'Skordostafilos' have been cultivated here for centuries and remain highly productive in home gardens.
In containers or raised beds on balconies and rooftop terraces — common in rental properties — garlic performs just as well as in open ground, provided the pot is at least 20 cm deep and has good drainage. This makes it a practical addition even for properties without a traditional garden.
Choosing the Right Garlic Type
Softneck varieties are the most forgiving for beginners and store longest after harvest — ideal for holiday rentals that may sit empty for months. Hardneck types produce larger, more complex cloves and grow scapes (flower stalks) that are themselves edible and prized in Greek cooking. For most Domakihub properties, a softneck variety planted in October through December will give the most reliable results.
Always plant certified seed garlic or healthy cloves from a trusted local market. Supermarket garlic is often treated with growth inhibitors and may underperform. Local agricultural cooperatives (agrotika) across Greece stock region-adapted seed garlic at low cost.
How to Grow Garlic: 5 Steps from Clove to Harvest
- 1
Prepare the Bed or Container
Choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct light per day. Work the soil to a depth of 20–25 cm and mix in well-rotted compost or aged manure. Garlic demands excellent drainage — waterlogged soil causes rot, so raise beds slightly or add perlite to container mixes. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0.
- 2
Break Bulbs and Plant Cloves
Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting — no earlier, as exposed cloves dry out quickly. Plant each clove pointy-end up, 5 cm deep and 15 cm apart in rows spaced 25 cm apart. In Greece, the optimal planting window is October to December, giving roots time to establish over winter before spring growth begins.
- 3
Water and Mulch
Water thoroughly at planting, then ease off during the cool months — overwatering in winter is the most common mistake. Once shoots appear in late winter, water consistently but allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry between sessions. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of straw or leaf mulch to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and protect roots from any cold snaps.
- 4
Feed and Remove Scapes
Side-dress with a balanced fertiliser or diluted liquid seaweed in early spring when shoots are actively growing. If you are growing hardneck garlic, cut or snap off the curling green scape (flower stalk) as soon as it appears — removing it redirects the plant's energy into the bulb and can increase yield by 20–30%. Scapes are excellent sauteed in olive oil or blended into dips.
- 5
Harvest, Cure, and Store
Garlic is ready to harvest when roughly half the leaves have turned brown — typically May to June in Greece. Loosen the soil with a fork rather than pulling by the stem to avoid snapping necks. Lay bulbs in a single layer in a shaded, airy spot for two to four weeks to cure. Once the outer skins are papery and dry, braid or bundle them and hang in a cool, ventilated room. Properly cured softneck garlic stores for six to twelve months.
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FAQ
- Can I grow garlic in pots on a balcony in Greece?
- Yes. Use a pot or trough at least 20 cm deep with drainage holes. Fill with a free-draining mix of potting compost and perlite, plant cloves 15 cm apart, and keep the pot in full sun. Container garlic may produce slightly smaller bulbs than ground-grown plants but is otherwise just as productive.
- What is the best time to plant garlic in Greece?
- October through December is the optimal window. This gives the cloves enough cold exposure over winter to trigger proper bulb formation, while avoiding the hard freezes that would damage them. In warmer coastal areas, December plantings work well. In higher-altitude regions (Epirus, central Peloponnese highlands), aim for October.
- Why are my garlic leaves turning yellow?
- Some yellowing of the lowest leaves is normal as the plant matures. Widespread yellowing earlier in the season usually points to overwatering, poor drainage, or a nitrogen deficiency. Check that water is not sitting around roots, improve drainage if needed, and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser. Yellowing caused by onion white rot (a fungal disease) will also show white fluffy growth at the base — remove affected plants and avoid replanting alliums in the same spot for several years.