When to Plant Garlic and Onions in Autumn: Optimal Dates and Tips for a Good Harvest
Autumn planting is a key stage for achieving a bountiful harvest next year. Among the most popular winter crops are garlic and onion sets. It is important to know which crop to plant first, as well as when to conduct the planting according to the lunar calendar, to ensure strong and healthy bulbs.
This is reported by AgroReview
Planting Garlic and Onions: What to Choose First
Garlic is recommended to be planted earlier, as this crop tolerates cold temperatures better and has a robust root system that requires more time to adapt to winter. Thus, by rooting before the frost arrives, garlic ensures better conditions for its development.
Onion sets are planted later, when the autumn air has already turned cool, but the soil has not yet frozen. This prevents premature sprouting of the plants and helps them prepare for the winter period.
Lunar Calendar: Favorable Dates for Planting in October
The lunar calendar contains recommendations for optimal planting days, taking into account the phases of the Moon and its position in certain zodiac signs. Experts advise against planting on full moon and new moon days, when the energy of the plants is least stable. The best days are when the Moon is in the so-called “root” signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn, and during the waning period.
“Do not plant on full moon and new moon days — the energy is most unstable.”
Recommended dates for planting garlic in October:
- October 8–11
- October 16–20
- October 22–27
Avoid October 6–7 — this is the period of the full moon, so these days are not suitable for planting.
Favorable dates for onion sets:
- October 19–25
- October 27–30
Onions are planted slightly later than garlic, as soon as the air temperature stabilizes and the soil remains soft and unfrozen.
To achieve a quality harvest, it is important to select large and healthy garlic cloves, as well as bulbs without signs of damage or disease. Plant the seed material at a depth of 3–6 cm, maintaining a distance of 20–25 cm between rows. After planting, it is recommended to mulch the beds with straw or peat to protect against frost. It is important to avoid excessive moisture or drying out of the soil, and plants should be watered moderately.