Best planting time for garlic is in the fall, southern gardeners can plant in early spring, but bulbs will be smaller. Plant 4 to 6 weeks before significant ground freezing Sept to Oct, the idea is to get the plants into the ground during warm weather so germination occurs and good roots will form.

Once you have obtained your planting stock, (cloves) for planting consider the soil. Garlic likes full sun and well drained high organic soil. Sandy soil (mine) or sandy loam works best. Check ph, garlic needs a ph balance of 6.2 to 6.8 range. I add some lime to adjust the ph balance for my sandy soil. For the small garden plot turn the soil 6 to 12 inches deep. Garlic roots like to go deep, so well cultivated soil is a must. Garlic grows best when the soil is well cultivated almost sifted looking. Mix in organic matter, such as mulch and well rotted manure. A raised bed is a good idea, you can mix the correct soil and organic matter garlic needs to grow. Garlic appreciates fertilizer, a good 10-10-10 works well. Side dress at planting and then again in the spring.

Seperate the cloves. I pull them apart at the time of planting to prevent cloves from drying out. Plant with the pointy side up/ basal (root) side down. Plant about 2 inches below the soil surface and about 6 inches apart. For the large elephant garlic plant 3 to 4 inches deep. Garlic really likes moist soil, watering regularly in the fall during germination is essential. Do not let the top several inches get dried out. Keep watering into spring. Stop watering when the hardnecks are standing high. When the bulbs are fully grown and the wrappers are drying out, too much water is not good for the bulbs.

Harvest when the lower third of the leaves turn brown, but there are mostly green leaves higher on the plant. Harvest can begin as early as the first week of July. Use a pitchfork or similar tool to loosen the soil and then lift the entire plant from the ground. Do not wash or let them be exposed to water, as this will cause them to rot before curing. Cure the garlic for 2 to 3 weeks in a well ventilated place. The simpliest way is to tie up a bunch with string or wire and hang them in a well ventilated area. After curing, cut off the tops and trim the roots. Store in well-ventilated room with average humidity and even  temperatures of about 50-70* F. Do not store in the refrigerator, they will try to sprout and lose their taste.
Happy gardening.