When to Plant Garlic in Johnson County, MO
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.
Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Garlic's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Garlic prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Garlic — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic.
How to Plant Garlic
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Garlic Planting Timeline — Johnson County, MO
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 11 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–240 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Garlic in Johnson County
Direct sow Garlic outdoors after April 13 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 193.0-day growing season in Johnson County is tight for Garlic (90.0-240.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Garlic in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Johnson County, MO?
Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, MO?
Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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