When to Plant Garlic in Woodbury County, IA
Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.
Woodbury County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,388 feet, Woodbury County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Woodbury County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Garlic Planting Timeline — Woodbury County, IA
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–240 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
163 days
Growing Tips for Woodbury County
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Woodbury County, IA?
Woodbury County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Woodbury County, IA?
Woodbury County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Woodbury County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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