The optimal period for setting garlic cloves into the ground in this Midwestern state centers around fall. This timing allows the root system to establish itself before the ground freezes, providing a significant advantage for growth the following spring. Failure to plant during this window can result in diminished bulb size and overall yield.
Successfully cultivating garlic hinges on providing the plant with a period of cold stratification. This chilling period is essential for bulb development. Autumn planting provides this naturally, leading to larger, more robust bulbs at harvest time. Furthermore, fall-planted garlic tends to be more resilient to certain pests and diseases.
