Using paper egg carton flats as a planting “grid” works just as well for garlic cloves as it does for onions. The trays help you space cloves evenly, mark rows, and smother small weeds while the paper slowly breaks down in the soil.
What this method is best for
Hardneck or softneck garlic cloves planted for full bulbs
Small backyard beds (especially along fences/edges)
Gardeners who want fast spacing without measuring every clove
Use only paper/pulp cartons. Skip foam or plastic.
Garlic basics that affect success
Hardneck vs softneck
Hardneck: bigger cloves, great flavor, usually best in colder winters; produces scapes
Softneck: stores longer, often better in mild winters; usually more cloves per bulb
Planting stock matters
For best results, plant seed garlic (from a nursery/seed supplier) or the largest, healthiest bulbs you grew yourself. Grocery store garlic can work, but it’s sometimes treated to reduce sprouting and may carry disease.
When to plant (timing is everything for garlic)
Garlic is typically planted in fall so it can root before winter..
Materials
Paper egg carton flats (30-egg trays are ideal)
Garlic bulbs (to separate into cloves)
Compost (or aged manure)
Garden soil and a rake/hoe/shovel
Mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or dry grass)
Water source
Optional: organic balanced fertilizer (light use)
Step 1: Prep the bed (garlic loves loose, rich soil)
Remove grass/weeds from the strip.
Loosen soil 6–8 inches deep (deeper is fine if soil is heavy).
Mix in 1–2 inches of compost.
Level the surface so cartons sit flat.
Drainage is critical. Garlic hates wet feet. If this area holds water, raise the bed or add more organic matter.
Step 2: Prep the cloves (do this right)
Break bulbs into individual cloves right before planting (not days ahead).
Choose the largest cloves for planting (small ones = smaller bulbs).
Keep the papery skins on the cloves.
Don’t plant damaged, moldy, or soft cloves.
Step 3: Lay down the egg carton trays
Place paper trays end-to-end on the leveled soil.
If they’re stiff, lightly wet them so they conform to the ground.
Optional but helpful: poke/tear a few holes in the bottoms to help roots push through faster.
The trays are your spacing template and a light weed barrier.
Step 4: Spacing (important difference from onions)
Garlic needs more room than scallions and usually a bit more than many onion set layouts.
Target spacing for full bulbs:
6 inches apart (ideal for big heads)
