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When to plant Garlic in Sumner County, KS

Sumner County's climate puts the Garlic spring window between mid-spring and late spring. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from September 14 to September 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Sumner County, KS

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.

Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.

Sumner County, KS (Zone 7a) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Sumner County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.8

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Garlic Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest December 14 Dec 14 – Apr 26
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 – Sep 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Harvest
February Harvest
March Harvest
April Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

198 days in Sumner County

Growing Tips for Sumner 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 Sumner County, KS?

Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?

Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Garlic in Sumner County, KS?

In Sumner County, KS, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Garlic?

Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Garlic grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic grow in Sumner County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). 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 Sumner County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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