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When to plant Garlic in Itasca County County,

Itasca County County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Plant Garlic between mid-spring (after last frost on May 10) and late spring. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Itasca County, MN

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.

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Itasca County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.

Itasca County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
144 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Itasca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Garlic Planting Timeline — Itasca County, MN

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest November 19 Nov 19 – Jan 14
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Harvest
February
March
April
May
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October
November Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

144 days in Itasca County

Growing Tips for Itasca 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 Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Itasca County, MN?

Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 1.

When should I plant Garlic in Itasca County County, ?

In Itasca County County, , plant Garlic after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Itasca County County, for Garlic?

Itasca County County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Garlic grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic grow in Itasca County County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Itasca County County's temperate climate. Itasca County County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 1.

🌱

Your Itasca County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Itasca County (Zone 4a). 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 Itasca County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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