Garlic

[mew]

Hi

I planted some garlic back in October.

The shoots are getting quite large (and thick) now. I thought Id have a sneaky peak just to see how the bulbs were getting along under the ground. The one I had a look at doesnt look likes its split. It looks like a large spring onion is perhaps the best description I can come up with.

When is garlic usually ready and how will I know? Is this what usually happens or should it have split now?

Do they need feeding or shall I just leave well alone?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

MEW

[MINESAPINT]

I also planted my garlic back in September/October as I usually do. I generally do not harvest any until August/September but as I have plenty (200) I have started to use mine now. The bulbs are about the size of a ping pong ball, some a bit bigger and I am using the whole thing stem and all. They do not look as if they have split into cloves but when you slice them to use you can see they have.

I have read that about 2 weeks before you harvest them you should cut the top off which makes the bulbs swell. If you leave them in the ground too long in the autumn the protective outer skins rot away and the cloves get dirty.

Hope that helps

[Lady Willow]

When the outer leaves are yellowed they are good to go.

Did they get a good heavy frost on them during the winter ... this contributes towards them them splitting into cloves. Also, did you keep the area clear of weeds?

[JR]

When they are ready the leaves will turn yellow. When you pull them up they dont look like they have split, when they are dry they will inside.

If you have no bulb then I would suggest they need a bit longer. Cut off any flower heads as this helps them bulb.

[andyt]

Hello Mew,
They say "plant garlic on the shortest day,& harvest on the longest day". Best to harvest when 2/3 of foliage has turned brown & fallen over, then hang to dry in a sunny location.We found that a good way to dry them,was to pop them in the oven(as it cooled down),after cooking.
Have you ever tried roasted garlic?