When to Plant Garlic in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 349 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 64.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Garlic may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Garlic will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Garlic root diseases.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, TX
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | January 24 | Jan 24 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 25 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, TX?
Jefferson County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, TX?
Jefferson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.