When to Plant Garlic in Val Verde 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.
Val Verde County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 3,979 feet, Val Verde County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°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.
Val Verde County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.7-8.1
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Val Verde County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic Planting Timeline — Val Verde County, TX
Garlic Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest | January 25 | Jan 25 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | October 26 | Oct 26 – Nov 9 |
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 8b
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Val Verde County
Growing Tips for Val Verde 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 Val Verde County, TX?
Val Verde County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Garlic planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Val Verde County, TX?
Val Verde County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Val Verde County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Val Verde 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.