[fatbelly]

I went to my brother's Lottie today and he said that Garlic must be plated now for next year.
My plot is not cleared yet and I was intending to plant Garlic in early spring 08 for harvesting later in the same summer.

Are there any Garlic varieties that can be planted in the spring, and what success have you had with them.

Also what is the difference between hard neck and soft neck varieties and which is better for the North West of England.
Thanks.

[Hampshire Hog]

Fatbelly you can plant garlic in spring but your brother is right when saying it is better over wintered. I have tried both and the autumn planted ones did much better. I would just select a bed clear and prepare it and plant now. Key thing is you don't need to have your whole plot ready at once to be able to start planting. Not sure on varieties but I think if you grow from locally grown stock it adapts better to your local climate.

Good luck HH

[Trillium]

Hard and softneck garlics are daylight oriented, hard for longer summers and softs for slighter shorter spring and fall seasons. That said, in my summer climate we grow a few very nice softneck varieties that turn out well. However, I grow only the ones that others have proven will grow well in my area. Ask around your lotty or gardening neighbours to find what they're growing and how well it did. That's the best way.
When I said softs are spring grown, I meant that you need a full spring growing like mediterranean climates have.

[WG.]

I would advocate autumn planting only but search for posts by David. who gets good results on clay with spring planting.

How much are you planning to plant BTW?  Surely you can get a few square yards ready within the next month or two.  I am a fan of porcelain garlic (hard neck) - see http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=6882

[gobs]

As far as I know hard necks tend to be better storers. I did plant them in spring before( was in the same situation as you), they were OK, just make sure they are in very early, because they need the cold weather.

[fatbelly]

How much are you planning to plant BTW?  Surely you can get a few square yards ready within the next month or two.  I am a fan of porcelain garlic (hard neck)

There is only the two of us at home and we use about a bulb per fortnight.
So I am thinking you are right that to get a few square yards ready for Autumn planting will be easy.

Which month is the best time to plant October or November?

[WG.]

one square yard at 6" each way will give you 36 plants

Oct/Nov - won't make much difference.  I have started already and won't finish until mid-Nov

[fatbelly]

Thanks to all for the replies.

I will get ordering the Garlic and get it sown as soon as I can.

[fatbelly]

I have searched the online retailers for Garlic (Sutton's, T&M,)
But they charge up to £5 for P & P.

Which is ridiculous for a item which itself only costs £4.

Can anyone recommend a online retailer with reasonable postage charges.

Thanks once again.

[DD.]

Are you anywhere near these......?

Wyevale Cheshire

I usally avoid them in deference to a family run nursery, but I happened to be in the the other day and noticed some 'Christo' garlic. £2.59 for a pack - got over 40 cloves out of it. That should do you nicely.

[sweet nasturtium]

Pardon my ignorance but is it time to plant garlic seed or garlic sets/bulbs?
( :oops: in advance).

[WG.]

Pardon my ignorance but is it time to plant garlic seed or garlic sets/bulbs?
( :oops: in advance).

Both - although everyone really means sets when they say seed.

Actual garlic seed (from top of the plant) can be planted but takes 2 or 3 years to reach useful size

[sweet nasturtium]

Thanks.  All of a sudden I'm regretting not having done more digging today!  Faffed about with barley straw instead, also some weednuking and power strimming.

[Shelle]

If there is no one near you with any, try reallygarlicky for some at 40p each and only £1.25 p and p.

I bought 3 bulbs, and they are HUGE cloves   Hopefully should make for huge bulbs next year  

[WG.]

If there is no one near you with any, try reallygarlicky for some at 40p each and only £1.25 p and p.

I bought 3 bulbs, and they are HUGE cloves   Hopefully should make for huge bulbs next year  

I'd guess, 3 bulbs would have been 15(?) cloves?