[Susanjam]

Hi I'm new to the site but was wondering if I could get some advice. I have an allotment in Aberdeen City Centre so no frost yet. I have planted garlic (Marco - Soft neck verity) and now think it was to early, as it is coming through already. Can I save this by putting on a layer of compost and then perhaps some straw or should I cut my losses and buy some more bulbs and replant. ( I do not have the space to keep both) so it has to be one or the other.
Suggestions would be appreciated

[sunshineband]

Good morning Susanjam and welcome to the forum.

Garlic does need a period of cold to make it split into several cloves (called vernalisation in case you ever see that term) and it is very tough. If you planted the cloves with about 3cm of soil above them, they will stand the winter just fine. Sound as though they have developed strong roots already which is ideal. They will stop growing when it gets very cold and then spring back into life again come the warmer weather.

You can plant shallots now too

[mumofstig]

Marco is an Autumn planting garlic and is fully hardy. Garlic does grow over the winter so IMO you don't need to do anything to protect it.