How Far Apart to Plant Garlic in a Raised Beds

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When it comes to growing garlic in a raised bed, proper spacing is essential for ensuring healthy growth and maximizing your harvest.

In the UK, where gardeners often make the most of limited space, knowing how far apart to plant garlic cloves is key to success.

Here’s a guide to help you achieve the best results.

Understanding Garlic Spacing

Garlic (Allium sativum) is typically planted in the form of individual cloves. The spacing between these cloves plays a crucial role in determining the size and quality of the bulbs at harvest time. Here are some considerations for optimal spacing:

  1. Clover vs. Row Planting: Garlic can be planted in two main configurations: cloverleaf or row planting.
    • Cloverleaf Planting: In this method, cloves are spaced evenly in a circular pattern around a central point. This allows for efficient use of space and yields maximum bulbs in a given area.
    • Row Planting: Cloves are planted in rows, with space between the rows and between cloves within the rows. This method provides better access for weeding and harvesting but may yield fewer bulbs per square foot (see also square foot gardening).
  2. Cloves Within a Row:
    • Place the cloves roughly 4-6 inches apart in all directions from the central point for cloverleaf planting. This spacing ensures adequate room for the bulbs to develop without crowding.
    • In row planting, space the cloves within the row 6-8 inches apart. Rows should be spaced approximately 12-18 inches apart to allow for airflow and easy maintenance.

Considerations for UK Gardens

In the UK, where space is often at a premium, gardeners often opt for cloverleaf planting in raised beds. This method allows for more cloves per square foot, efficiently using the available space.