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When to Plant Garlic in Monroe County, MS

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.

Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 448 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 54.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88Β°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Garlic, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.

Monroe County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic

Garlic needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Garlic Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Garlic Planting Timeline β€” Monroe County, MS

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Fall Sowing September 25 Sep 25 – Oct 9

Plant 1" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April β€”
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–240 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

228 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans
  • Asparagus

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Garlic in Monroe County, MS?

Monroe County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, MS?

Monroe County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.