When to Plant Garlic in Freestone County, TX
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.
Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Freestone County receives approximately 71.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Garlic during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Garlic, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Freestone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-7.9
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 12.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Freestone County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Freestone County, TX
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jun 18 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Freestone County
Growing Tips for Freestone 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 Freestone County, TX?
Freestone County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Freestone County, TX?
Freestone County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Freestone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Freestone County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.