[Maccbean]

I'm wondering if  someone give me some clear information about watering garlic?  I know you stop watering when it stops bulbing to avoid rot, but how do I know when that will be? 

Cheers
Deb

[potatogrower]

we planted our garlic in november and just water like we do normally. i believe as long as ground does not become water logged you should be fine. last year we did over water due to the hot summer but nothing happened and we had nice garlic.

[Aidy]

Mine go in November also, they get watered when the powers that be (mother nature) say so 

[fatbelly]

I know you stop watering when it stops bulbing to avoid rot.

I never knew this!
I have just watered when dry, I would also like to know if / when you stop watering.

[Jamie Butterworth]

Yep, thats correct, you should stop watering when they start to bulb to avoid it rotting it, if i was you id stop watering as much when i can see the bulb developing

[waxwing]

This makes sence, as last year I was watering the ones near my water butt nearly all season and they rotted the ones I didn't water were fine

Steve

[Munchkin]

Yep, thats correct, you should stop watering when they start to bulb to avoid it rotting it, if i was you id stop watering as much when i can see the bulb developing

How do you know when the bulb is developing? Can you tell from the green bit?

[viettaclark]

Surely, if the raised bed is really dry it's ok? I had to water in some potassium sulphate last week because we've had NO RAIN. 
I pulled some green for a salad and I reckon they might be just starting to bulb.....the outside covering layers are starting to form and the bulb is very slightly swollen.
Don't they need some water to swell?

[Adrian]

I've never watered garlic. In fact, i really only water seedlings and transplants. All the rest relies on good soil (i.e. lots of compost) and the water that falls naturally. Try using a moisture meter - you will be surprised how damp it stays just a few inches down, even in times like now, where we've had virtually no rain for months.

I also have no water supply at the allotment, which is another reason for not watering much