When to Plant Garlic in Mora County, NM
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.
Mora County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,818 feet, Mora County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Garlic will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Garlic successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Mora County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Mora County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Mora County, NM
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | November 13 | Nov 13 – Feb 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
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 | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Mora County
Growing Tips for Mora 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 Mora County, NM?
Mora County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mora County, NM?
Mora County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.
Your Mora County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mora County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.