When to plant Garlic in Otter Tail County, MN
Otter Tail County gardeners should plant Garlic between mid-spring and late spring in spring. With Otter Tail County's Zone 4a climate (last frost May 11), Garlic needs 90–240 days to mature — plant by January 31 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Garlic in Otter Tail County, MN
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.
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 571 feet, Otter Tail County receives approximately 40.3 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.
Otter Tail County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Garlic Planting Timeline — Otter Tail County, MN
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | November 16 | Nov 16 – Jan 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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
140 days in Otter Tail County
Growing Tips for Otter Tail 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
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Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otter Tail County, MN?
Otter Tail County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Garlic in Otter Tail County, MN?
In Otter Tail County, MN, plant Garlic after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Otter Tail County, MN for Garlic?
Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County's climate?
Yes — Garlic grows well in Otter Tail County's temperate climate. Otter Tail County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 28.
Your Otter Tail County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Otter Tail 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.