When to plant Garlic in Madison County, AR
Aim to plant Garlic in Madison County on or after mid-spring; the window stays open through late spring. Madison County's 206-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 17 to October 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Garlic in Madison County, AR
This month in Madison County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Madison County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Garlic 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 Madison 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 Madison County is excellent for Garlic — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic.
How to Plant Garlic
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Garlic Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic
Garlic needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Garlic Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Madison County, AR
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | December 17 | Dec 17 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Harvest |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Garlic in Madison County
Direct sow Garlic outdoors after April 06 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 206.0-day growing season in Madison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Madison County, AR?
Madison County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, AR?
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Garlic in Madison County, AR?
In Madison County, AR, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, AR for Garlic?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Garlic grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Garlic grow in Madison County's climate?
Yes — Garlic grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.