When to plant Garlic in Washington County, IL
Spring Garlic in Washington County goes in mid-spring–late spring, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 8 to September 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Garlic in Washington County, IL
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.
Washington County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,126 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Washington County, IL
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | December 8 | Dec 8 – Mar 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
194 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Washington County, IL?
Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, IL?
Washington County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Garlic in Washington County, IL?
In Washington County, IL, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, IL for Garlic?
Washington 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 Washington County's climate?
Yes — Garlic grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.