When to Plant Garlic in Horry County, SC
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.
Horry County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 439 feet, Horry County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Garlic will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Horry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-5.9
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 — Horry County, SC
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | September 29 | Sep 29 – Oct 13 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
232 days
Growing Tips for Horry 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 Horry County, SC?
Horry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Horry County, SC?
Horry County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Horry County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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