When to Plant Garlic in Rutland County, VT
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.
Rutland County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 477 feet, Rutland County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Rutland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 — Rutland County, VT
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
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
151 days
Growing Tips for Rutland 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 Rutland County, VT?
Rutland County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rutland County, VT?
Rutland County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Rutland County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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