garlic

I've just harvested some garlic bulbs and at the top of some of the stalks are some 'mini' bulbs with realy tiny cloves. Does anyone know what these are and if they can be used as seed?
Thanks!

 

Hi clear skies, the mini bulbs that you describe are bulbils and can be kept to be sown again, they will produce a single clove of garlic in their first year and if then used to sow again will produce a normal bulb of garlic in their second year or you can harvest them in the first spring to provide what is known as garlic greens which can be used in stir fries or salads, hope this helps you, regards Steve.

http://www.myallotments.blogspot.com

 

Can someone tell me the best time to plant Garlic.
We have brought some back from a recent holiday, but are unsure when and how to plant them.
Some books say plant on October,and other books say to plant in the spring.

Kandy

 

For me, I would plant them in the autumn. Thats when I have done it, and it worked for me.

 

Thanks for that Fran.Will give it a try,as long as the floods don't come after all this sun.

Kandy

 

Thank you Steve - that's really useful. I'll give it a go!

 

plant in Feb if you want to use them or keep during the following winter. autumn planting will not last so well through the winter

 

Thanks for that Auntie.It does get confusing,and I suppose it also depends on where you live and weather conditions as to how they will fare.

Kandy

 

The old gardeners on the allotments have told me to plant in November time before the frosts. They said a good frost will give you a good crop.

I will be planting mine in November time. Good Luck.

 

for those of you who want to plant garlic, now it's the time


Softneck garlics tend to keep longer once harvested.

 

Hi all
Where do you purchase the garlic bulbs to begin with and which do you recommend??

eden

 

Have a look at this site:
http://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk
Lots of varieties available. I just planted some cloves from a fresh garlic.

 

I am more familiar with the softneck garlic and you just hang it somewhere not humid and it can keep for months

 

Thanks. I also just planted some cloves from a garlic bulb...will let you know what happens!

I always have a delicious crop of garlic chives....