When to Plant Garlic in Smith County, TN
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.
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 3,829 feet, Smith County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Garlic Planting Timeline — Smith County, TN
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | December 16 | Dec 16 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 16 | Sep 16 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Smith 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
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Garlic in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic in Smith County, TN?
Smith County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, TN?
Smith County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Smith County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.