When to Plant Garlic in Grant County, NE
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.
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 689 feet, Grant County receives approximately 24.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic to ensure they mature before fall.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.5
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Grant County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Grant County, NE
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | November 23 | Nov 23 – Feb 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
145 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Grant 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Grant County, NE?
Grant County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, NE?
Grant County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grant 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.