Garlic and onions aren’t just kitchen staples — they’re powerhouse crops that bring flavor, history, and protection to your garden. If you’ve been on the fence about planting them, here are ten reasons why garlic and onions deserve a spot in every garden bed this season.
1. They’re Easy to Grow
Both garlic and onions thrive with minimal fuss. Once planted, they need little maintenance beyond watering and occasional weeding.
2. Perfect for Fall Planting
Garlic and onions love being tucked into the soil in autumn. Plant them now, and you’ll be rewarded with strong, flavorful harvests next summer.
3. Natural Pest Control
The strong scent of alliums helps deter garden pests. Aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and voles all steer clear.
4. Space Savers
Garlic and onions don’t need much room. You can tuck them between other vegetables or even plant them in raised beds and containers.
5. Long Storage Life
Unlike delicate crops, onions and garlic store beautifully. Properly cured, they’ll last for months — giving you fresh flavor long after harvest.
6. Boosts Garden Health
When planted near carrots, lettuce, and beets, onions can help repel insects and improve companion plants’ growth.
7. Endless Kitchen Uses
From soups and stews to marinades and roasts, garlic and onions form the base of countless recipes. Growing your own means you’ll never run out.
8. Medicinal Benefits
For centuries, garlic and onions have been valued for their health benefits — from supporting the immune system to helping with inflammation.
9. Folklore Fun
Garlic and onions come with rich stories and superstitions. From warding off vampires to the legend of the devil’s feet, they bring a little magic to your garden.
10. Reliable Crops
Garlic and onions are some of the most dependable vegetables you can grow. Even beginners get good yields, making them a confidence-boosting crop.
🌱 Ready to Plant?
The best time to get started is now. I always order mine from Rare Seeds — their selection and quality make a huge difference in my garden.