When to Plant Garlic in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the time to plant garlic in fall runs from Oct 5 – Nov 2 in Torrington to Nov 6 – Dec 4 in Bridgeport. In Bridgeport, it's Nov 6 – Dec 4. The average first fall frost differs by about 5 weeks across the state (Oct 5 in Torrington, Nov 6 in Bridgeport), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Garlic is planted in fall, around the first frost, and harvested the next summer. Cloves need a cold winter to form good bulbs.
- Plant: from the first fall frost up to 4 weeks after it.
Garlic planting dates in Connecticut by city
| City | Zone | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Ansonia | 6b | Oct 17 – Nov 14 |
| Bridgeport | 7a | Nov 6 – Dec 4 |
| Bristol | 6b | Oct 18 – Nov 15 |
| Danbury | 6b | Oct 14 – Nov 11 |
| Derby | 6b | Oct 17 – Nov 14 |
| Groton | 7a | Oct 28 – Nov 25 |
| Hartford | 6b | Oct 26 – Nov 23 |
| Meriden | 6b | Oct 16 – Nov 13 |
| Middletown | 6b | Oct 16 – Nov 13 |
| Milford city | 7a | Nov 6 – Dec 4 |
| Naugatuck | 6b | Oct 26 – Nov 23 |
| New Britain | 6b | Oct 26 – Nov 23 |
| New Haven | 7a | Oct 27 – Nov 24 |
| New London | 7a | Oct 28 – Nov 25 |
| Norwalk | 7a | Oct 23 – Nov 20 |
| Norwich | 6b | Oct 24 – Nov 21 |
| Shelton | 6b | Oct 17 – Nov 14 |
| Stamford | 7a | Oct 23 – Nov 20 |
| Torrington | 6a | Oct 5 – Nov 2 |
| Waterbury | 6b | Oct 16 – Nov 13 |
| West Haven | 7a | Oct 27 – Nov 24 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Connecticut, or the general guide to when to plant garlic.
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