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When to plant Garlic in Morgan County, IL

Aim to plant Garlic in Morgan County on or after mid-spring; the window stays open through late spring. Morgan County's 186-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Morgan 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.

Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,348 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 39.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.

Morgan County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Morgan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Planting Timeline — Morgan County, IL

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest December 5 Dec 5 – Mar 20
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

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 6a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Morgan County

Growing Tips for Morgan 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 Morgan County, IL?

Morgan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morgan County, IL?

Morgan County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Garlic in Morgan County, IL?

In Morgan County, IL, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Morgan County, IL for Garlic?

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

Can Garlic grow in Morgan County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 6a). 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 Morgan County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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