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When to plant Garlic in Bristol County, MA

Plant Garlic in Bristol County, when soil hits 50°F — usually mid-spring. Continue planting through late spring for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Bristol County, MA

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.

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.

Bristol County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Bristol County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Planting Timeline — Bristol County, MA

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest December 5 Dec 5 – Apr 17
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 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

174 days in Bristol County

Growing Tips for Bristol 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 Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Garlic in Bristol County, MA?

In Bristol County, MA, plant Garlic after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bristol County, MA for Garlic?

Bristol 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 Bristol County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Bristol County's temperate climate. Bristol County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol 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 Bristol County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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