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When to plant Garlic in Nobles County, MN

Nobles County gardeners should plant Garlic between mid-spring and late spring in spring. With Nobles County's Zone 5a climate (last frost May 2), Garlic needs 90–240 days to mature — plant by February 4 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 21 to September 4 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Garlic in Nobles 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.

Nobles County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 553 feet, Nobles County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.

Nobles County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Nobles County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Planting Timeline — Nobles County, MN

Garlic Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Harvest November 20 Nov 20 – Feb 5
Fall Sowing August 21 Aug 21 – Sep 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Harvest
February Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Nobles County

Growing Tips for Nobles 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 Nobles County, MN?

Nobles County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nobles County, MN?

Nobles County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Garlic in Nobles County, MN?

In Nobles County, MN, plant Garlic after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nobles County, MN for Garlic?

Nobles County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Garlic grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic grow in Nobles County's climate?

Yes — Garlic grows well in Nobles County's temperate climate. Nobles County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Nobles County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nobles County (Zone 5a). 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 Nobles County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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