When to Plant Garlic in Washington State: A Complete Guide for 2026

The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest is a practical, region-specific handbook written by Lorene Edwards Forkner. It is designed for anyone growing food in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or southeast Alaska. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned gardener new to the Pacific Northwest, this book helps you navigate the region's unique growing seasons.

The standout feature is the month-by-month layout. Each chapter covers what to plan, plant, and harvest during that month, along with essential garden chores. This structure makes it easy to pick up the book at any time of year and know exactly what to do. The guide also includes a vegetable-by-vegetable reference with tips on varieties, planting depth, spacing, and common pests.

Real-world performance is strong. Verified buyers consistently praise the book for its clarity and usefulness. Many note that it helped them achieve a bumper crop of peppers, tomatoes, kale, and squash. The weekly to-do lists and seasonal reminders are especially appreciated by those who feel overwhelmed by gardening decisions. The book also addresses the challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate, including dry summers and wet winters, and offers advice for coastal areas affected by salt air.

Design and build quality are good for a paperback reference. The 232 pages are printed on sturdy paper with clear fonts and helpful diagrams. A common criticism is the lack of physical tabs. The month labels are printed on the cover, which some find inconvenient when flipping between sections. The book also has limited information on raised bed gardening, which may disappoint those who garden exclusively in raised beds.

Overall, this guide delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, regionally accurate roadmap for vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest. It is not the most exhaustive reference, but its focused approach and user-friendly format make it a valuable tool. If you live in the region and want to grow your own food with less guesswork, this book is a smart investment.

The Pilestone 8-Pack California Softneck Garlic Bulbs are a straightforward option for anyone wanting to grow their own garlic at home. These bulbs are fresh, large, and ready to plant in zones 3 through 9. Whether you’re a first-time garlic grower or an experienced gardener, this pack offers a reliable start for a summer harvest.

Standout qualities include fast sprouting and big, healthy cloves. Many reviewers noted that all planted cloves sprouted within a week and a half, even in cooler climates like Ohio or warmer zones like 8b. The flavor is mild and pleasant, and the bulbs store well after harvest. The softneck variety also makes braiding easy, adding a decorative touch to your kitchen.

The bulbs arrive in a simple box, but the packaging does a solid job protecting the garlic. Each bulb is firm, fragrant, and free of rot. One concern raised by a customer was the absence of roots on some bulbs, which initially suggested imported garlic. However, that same customer later updated their review after successful growth, proving that rootless bulbs can still thrive. Expect some variation in size, but overall quality is consistently high.

Drawbacks are minor. A small percentage of cloves might not sprout if stored in extreme conditions before planting. Also, because these are softneck, gourmet cooks who prefer the stronger, more complex flavor of hardneck garlic might find this variety a bit mild. But for most home gardens, this is a small trade-off for ease of growth and reliability.

Verdict: the Pilestone 8-Pack California Softneck Garlic Bulbs are a practical, well-received choice for anyone growing garlic. They sprout quickly, produce large bulbs, and come from a seller that seems committed to quality. If you want a stress-free introduction to garlic gardening, this pack delivers.

The Pilestone 4 Heirloom Hardneck Garlic Bulbs pack offers a fantastic entry point for anyone wanting to grow their own garlic. These Music variety bulbs are known for their bold, spicy flavor that really comes alive when roasted or sauteed. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this pack is designed to deliver a reliable harvest with minimal fuss.

Each bulb is hand-selected for quality and freshness, and the large cloves mean you get more planting material per bulb. Customers have reported good growth in a range of climates, from zone 3 to zone 10, and many saw sprouts within two weeks of planting. The bulbs are naturally disease-resistant, which cuts down on the need for chemical treatments. However, a few users noted that some bulbs did not germinate, possibly due to irradiation or improper storage. This is a risk with any seed garlic, but it is worth considering if you are counting on every bulb.

In the kitchen, these garlic bulbs shine. The flavor is robust and spicy, perfect for making garlic-infused oils or adding depth to roasts and sautes. The bulbs are also suitable for direct culinary use, so you can enjoy them even if you do not plant them all. The packaging keeps them fresh, and the 4-bulb size is ideal for small gardens or first-time growers.

On the downside, international buyers should be aware of potential customs duties, as one Canadian reviewer faced an unexpected charge. Also, a few bulbs may have uneven clove sizes, which can affect planting uniformity. Overall, the Pilestone garlic bulbs offer great value for their price, with a high success rate and excellent flavor. If you are looking for a dependable hardneck garlic variety that is easy to grow and delicious to eat, this pack is a solid choice.

The Country Creek Acres Fresh California Softneck Garlic Bulbs offer a reliable way to grow your own garlic at home. Each pack contains three bulbs of softneck garlic, a variety known for its long storage life and mild, versatile flavor. These bulbs are intended for planting in zones 3-9, with detailed instructions for fall or spring planting. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to try something new, this product provides a straightforward path to a homegrown garlic harvest.

Standout features include the ease of growth and the high yield reported by users. Many reviews highlight that nearly every clove sprouts and produces robust plants, often outperforming store-bought garlic in both size and taste. The bulbs are fresh and arrive in good condition, with minimal rot or mildew. One reviewer mentioned harvesting 10-13 segments per bulb, which translates to a substantial crop from just one pack. The garlic is also praised for its culinary quality, making it a dual-purpose purchase for planting and eating.

The design and quality of the bulbs are generally excellent, but there are some variations. A few customers noted that bulbs can be smaller than expected or that they received a mix of hardneck garlic instead of the softneck variety. This is not a widespread issue, but it is worth noting. The packaging is simple, and the bulbs are shipped quickly to ensure freshness. For best results, plant in well-worked soil with full sun, and consider using frost cloth in colder climates.

Potential drawbacks are minor and mostly relate to consistency. Some reviewers reported brown or dry cloves, though soaking overnight improved germination. The product description itself warns that bulb sizes vary, which means you may get a mix of large, medium, and small bulbs. Additionally, the garlic is not certified organic, though many users find it grows well without chemicals.

Overall, the Country Creek Acres Garlic Bulbs deliver on their promise of easy, bountiful homegrown garlic. They are a solid choice for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh garlic from their garden and save money over store-bought options. With proper care, you can expect a satisfying harvest that enhances your cooking and gardening experience. Highly recommended for gardeners in zones 3-9 who value quality and simplicity.

If you're looking to grow your own garlic with a punch, Pilestone's Garlic Seed Bulbs are a solid pick. This 5-pack offers large, cold-hardy cloves bred for a bold, spicy flavor that cooks and home gardeners will appreciate. They're designed to thrive in cooler climates and stand up to harsh winters, making them a reliable choice for zones 3-9.

The standout feature here is the size of the cloves. They're easy to peel and plant, which saves time during setup and harvest. Expect a decent yield of sizeable bulbs if you give them full sun and well-draining soil. The organic material in the specs suggests a more natural growing process, which is a plus for those avoiding chemicals.

On the downside, there are no customer reviews yet, so you're buying based on the description alone. The 5-bulb count might be light for a big garden, and you'll need to plant in fall for summer blooms. Still, for a small batch or a test run, it's a straightforward option.

Overall, these bulbs deliver on their promise of cold hardiness and flavor. They're best for gardeners in cooler regions who want a manageable, flavorful crop. Just plan for fall planting and full sun exposure.

The Country Creek Acres Siberian Hardneck Garlic Bulbs (6 Pack) bring heirloom quality to your garden or kitchen. Grown by a family farm with roots in the Safe Seed Program, these non-GMO bulbs are perfect for gardeners who want a reliable, easy-to-grow crop or cooks who appreciate mild, versatile garlic.

Each bulb contains 6-8 cloves, and every clove grows into a full bulb, so this pack can produce up to 48 new bulbs. The Siberian variety is famously hardy; it tolerates poor soil and drought, and you can plant it in fall or spring. This low-maintenance approach makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone with limited time. The purple-skinned bulbs have a pleasant, mild flavor that works beautifully in raw applications like salads or spreads, as well as roasted, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.

The bulbs themselves are firm and healthy, typical of heirloom seed stock. They store well for up to seven months if kept in a cool, dry, dark place, though you will likely use them long before then. The packaging is simple, reflecting the farm’s no-frills approach. One minor note: the purple skin can stain hands and surfaces, so handle with care when prepping for eating.

A potential drawback is the limited number of customer reviews available, which makes it harder to gauge consistency across multiple batches. However, the brand’s commitment to non-GMO, heirloom varieties and natural growing methods inspires confidence.

Overall, these Siberian garlic bulbs deliver on their promise: they are easy to grow, productive, and tasty. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first-time grower, this 6-pack offers excellent value for both planting and eating. Just follow the simple planting instructions, and you will have a rewarding harvest of mild garlic to enjoy for months.

The Survival Garden Seeds Chive Seed Collection brings together two classic herb varieties in one affordable pack: common chives and garlic chives. Both are non-GMO heirloom seeds, untreated and open-pollinated, making them ideal for gardeners who value simplicity and sustainability. Whether you are new to growing herbs or an experienced green thumb, this collection provides a straightforward way to add perennial flavor to your kitchen garden.

What sets this set apart is the focus on usability. Each variety comes in a separate packet with detailed instructions for planting depth, soil temperature, sunlight, and watering needs. You will also find tips for harvesting and saving seeds, which helps you build a self-replenishing garden. The common chives produce round, hollow leaves and purple blossoms, while garlic chives have flat leaves and white flowers. Both types have edible blooms that can garnish salads or soups, adding a mild onion or garlic kick.

In terms of performance, both chives are known for being resilient perennials in USDA zones 4-11. They thrive in full sun and well-drained loam soil with regular watering. They can be grown in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground, and they overwinter well indoors if given enough light. The brand claims a high germination rate, and the seeds are packaged in a sturdy paper packet that stores easily. The main strength here is versatility: you get two distinct flavors from one purchase, and both attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

On the downside, there are no customer reviews to rely on yet, so you are buying based on brand reputation rather than user reports. Additionally, if you are hoping for a broader herb selection, this pack is limited to chives. And like most seed-starting projects, you will need a bit of patience before you can harvest substantial amounts. But given the price and the potential for years of regrowth, these are minor trade-offs.

Overall, the Survival Garden Seeds Chive Seed Collection is a solid choice for anyone wanting fresh herbs without fuss. The combination of common and garlic chives gives you two culinary staples, and the clear instructions remove the guesswork. If you value non-GMO seeds, sustainable gardening, and a reliable American brand, this two-pack is worth adding to your cart.

NYGardenia's garlic chive seeds deliver a generous 500 seeds pack of this perennial herb, also known as Chinese chives. With flat, grass-like leaves and a gentle garlic flavor, they're a versatile addition to any kitchen garden. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, these seeds are designed to succeed in garden beds, raised beds, or containers.

The standout feature is the mild garlic taste - it's not as pungent as regular garlic but adds a subtle kick to eggs, stir-fries, salads, and soups. The plants form upright clumps that stay compact, growing about 18 inches tall. They're heirloom seeds with a high germination rate, meaning you'll see sprouts quickly with proper care. Early customer feedback praises the great flavor and fast growth, confirming the product's performance.

Garlic chives are remarkably easy to grow. They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and regular watering. Once established, they come back year after year in USDA zones 3-9. You can start harvesting within a few weeks of planting and continue cutting leaves throughout the growing season. The more you cut, the more they produce, making this a rewarding herb for continuous use.

There aren't many drawbacks - the main requirements are enough sunlight and consistent moisture. Seeds need a week or two to germinate, so patience is key. Also, garlic chives can self-seed if you let them flower, but regular trimming prevents any unwanted spreading. Overall, these are minor tradeoffs for a perennial herb that keeps giving.

If you enjoy garlic flavor and want a low-maintenance herb that returns each season, NYGardenia garlic chive seeds are a solid choice. The high germination rate and compact growth make them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels. They offer great value for expanding your herb collection and bringing fresh flavor to your kitchen.