Fresh Greens, Radishes, Cilantro, and Garlic

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

Cool fresh weather, and additional moisture is more common at this time of the year makes it a great time for one more crop. It is also a great time to assess your garden to see which tomato, squash, bean or radish performed best for you this year. Make a few notes for spring so you don’t forget which ones you would prefer growing.

Most people think gardening comes to an end now…but actually there is still some time to use up some of that left over seed from spring planting.

It is probably too late for beans or onions, but is a GREAT time to sow some salad greens like lettuces, mustard greens, beets for greens and radishes will all appreciate the nice warm soils and cooler temperatures of fall.

Something we have found works very well is Cilantro. Direct seed some Cilantro and it will produce some of the nicest and most productive plants that keep on growing way into early winter. Fall planted Cilantro does not bolt but just keeps making excellent foliage. If you have a glass bell jar, you can put that over the top of the plants and keep on picking up until Christmas.

Don’t forget FALL IS THE TIME TO PLANT GARLIC CLOVES IN YOUR GARDEN! Buy your garlic from a farmer’s market, and not the store (as many times the garlic from the store has been treated to prevent it from sprouting). Separate the garlic into individual cloves and plant them in a sunny location about 4” apart and 2-3” deep (larger cloves a bit deeper). They will make new roots this fall and freeze up until next spring when they will be one of the first things to begin to grow.

A great time to use up those empty spaces in your garden from early harvested plants.

Warm soils and cool air makes fall is a great time for also planting bulbs, trees & shrubs to get a jump on spring, and watch for our great pricing and shipping specials throughout the fall season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant radishes, cilantro, and garlic in my garden?

Fall is the ideal time to plant radishes, cilantro, and garlic, as the combination of warm soil and cooler air temperatures creates perfect growing conditions for all three. Cilantro planted in fall will thrive without bolting and can continue producing foliage well into early winter, especially if protected with a glass bell jar. For garlic, purchase your cloves from a farmer's market rather than a grocery store, then plant them about 4 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep in a sunny spot this fall so they can establish roots before winter and be among the first plants to emerge in spring. Take advantage of any empty garden beds left by harvested summer crops and get these cool-season favorites in the ground now.

How much sunlight do radishes, cilantro, and garlic need to grow well?

Radishes, cilantro, and garlic all perform best in a location that receives full sun, generally defined as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. For fall-planted garlic specifically, choose a sunny spot and plant individual cloves about 4 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep, with larger cloves going a bit deeper. Cilantro direct-seeded in fall will thrive in full sun and, unlike spring plantings, will not bolt, producing lush foliage well into early winter. Select your sunniest garden bed for all three crops and you will be rewarded with strong growth and an extended harvest season.

What type of soil should I use for growing radishes, cilantro, and garlic?

Radishes, cilantro, and garlic all thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention. For fall planting, the naturally warm soil temperatures combined with cooler air create ideal conditions for these crops. Plant garlic cloves about 4 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep in a sunny location, and direct sow radishes and cilantro in a similar well-prepared bed. Amend your soil with compost before planting to improve drainage and fertility, giving all three crops the best start heading into winter.

How often should I water radishes, cilantro, and garlic throughout the growing season?

Fall-planted radishes, cilantro, and garlic benefit from consistent moisture, especially right after sowing or planting, so aim to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, typically watering every 2 to 3 days depending on rainfall and temperatures. Garlic cloves planted 2 to 3 inches deep in fall need moderate watering to establish roots before winter, then very little until spring growth resumes. Cilantro prefers regular, light watering to keep the soil from drying out completely, which can trigger bolting. Monitor your soil by pressing a finger about an inch deep, and water whenever it feels dry at that depth.

How deep should I plant garlic cloves, radish seeds, and cilantro seeds?

Garlic cloves should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep, with larger cloves going a bit deeper, spaced about 4 inches apart. The article does not specify exact planting depths for radish or cilantro seeds, but both are direct-seeded into the garden in fall when soils are still warm and air temperatures are cooling. For best results, plant your garlic in fall from a farmer's market source, direct seed your cilantro and radishes at the same time, and make note of which varieties performed best so you can refine your selections next season.

How far apart should I space radishes, cilantro, and garlic in my garden beds?

Garlic cloves should be planted approximately 4 inches apart and 2 to 3 inches deep, with larger cloves planted a bit deeper. The article does not specify exact spacing for radishes or cilantro, but all three crops thrive when direct-seeded into warm fall soil with cooler air temperatures. For best results, plant garlic in a sunny location using cloves sourced from a farmer's market rather than the grocery store, as store-bought garlic is often treated to inhibit sprouting.

Should I direct sow cilantro and radishes outdoors or start them indoors first?

Direct sow both cilantro and radishes outdoors in fall, as they thrive in the warm soil and cooler air temperatures that this season provides. Starting them indoors is unnecessary and actually counterproductive, since these crops prefer to establish roots directly in the ground. Cilantro planted this way will not bolt and will continue producing lush foliage well into early winter, and you can extend the harvest even further by placing a glass bell jar over the plants to protect them through the season. Find a sunny spot, sow your seeds directly into the garden, and take advantage of those warm soils now while you still have time.

How can I slow down cilantro bolting and extend my harvest season?

Fall is actually the best season to grow cilantro if you want to avoid bolting altogether, as the cooler temperatures and shorter days discourage the plant from going to seed. Direct sow cilantro in late summer or early fall and you will find it produces lush, productive foliage that keeps growing well into early winter without bolting. To extend your harvest even further into the cold months, place a glass bell jar over the plants to protect them from frost and continue harvesting through December.

When and how should I thin radish seedlings for the best root development?

Thin radish seedlings when they reach about 1 inch tall, spacing them 2 inches apart for small varieties and up to 4 inches apart for larger types. Overcrowded radishes will put their energy into foliage rather than forming plump, well-shaped roots. Thin by snipping seedlings at soil level rather than pulling them out, which can disturb neighboring roots. Use those tender thinnings in salads and sow a fresh round of seeds every couple of weeks for a continuous fall harvest.

How do I cure garlic after harvest to store it properly for long-term use?

Curing garlic properly after harvest ensures it stores well for months. Once you pull your garlic in midsummer, brush off excess soil and hang the bulbs in bundles of 10 to 12 in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sun for three to four weeks until the outer skins feel papery and the necks are completely dry. After curing, trim the roots and cut the stems to about an inch above the bulb, then store in a cool, dark location with good air circulation at around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. For the best results next season, set aside your largest, healthiest bulbs from this year's harvest to replant in fall rather than purchasing new seed garlic.