When to Plant Garlic in Tennessee
Plant in fall, harvest in summer. Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops for the patient gardener.
The Short Answer
Tennessee Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Tennessee you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Middle Tennessee | 6b, 7a | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| West Tennessee | 7a, 7b | Mar 25 - Apr 10 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Garlic Planting Schedule for Tennessee
East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Garlic in Tennessee
Garlic in Tennessee's Climate
Garlic grows well in warm climates but choose softneck varieties — most hardneck types don't get enough cold for proper bulb formation south of zone 7. Plant in October-November. Your mild winter means garlic grows actively through the cool months rather than going fully dormant. Harvest in May-June when lower leaves brown. Elephant garlic (actually a leek relative) also thrives in warm zones.
Soil Considerations for Tennessee
Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for garlic since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Tennessee Climate & Growing Season
Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops. Garlic can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Tennessee's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. This difference matters for garlic — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.
Growing Tips
Plant individual cloves pointy-side up in fall, 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily. Harvest when lower leaves brown.
Companion Planting
Plant garlic alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep garlic away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026