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When to plant Garlic in Kent County, DE

Plant Garlic in Kent County, when soil hits 50°F — usually mid-spring. Continue planting through late spring for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 23 to October 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Kent County, DE

Garlic

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.

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.

Kent County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

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 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Garlic Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest December 23 Dec 23 – May 5
Fall Sowing September 23 Sep 23 – Oct 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Harvest
February Harvest
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December Harvest

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–240 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, DE?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, DE?

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Garlic in Kent County, DE?

In Kent County, DE, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Garlic?

Kent 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 Kent County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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