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When to plant Garlic in Montgomery County, IL

Plant Garlic in Montgomery County, when soil hits 50°F — usually mid-spring. Continue planting through late spring for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 9 to September 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Montgomery County, IL

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.

Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,331 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.

Montgomery County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, IL

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest December 9 Dec 9 – Mar 24
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Harvest
February Harvest
March Harvest
April
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Montgomery County

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IL?

Montgomery County is in Zone 6b 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 Montgomery County, IL?

Montgomery County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Garlic in Montgomery County, IL?

In Montgomery County, IL, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Montgomery County, IL for Garlic?

Montgomery County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Garlic grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic grow in Montgomery County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Montgomery County's temperate climate. Montgomery County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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