Planting in the Fall

Hi There! ;-) Thanks to someone's comment, I realized I've never actually wrote about planting garlic in the fall - A serious deficiency, as that is typically the best time to plant!
Right now I am quite busy, in the midst of planting, so I'll draw the outline and fill in more detail later:
First: Acquire good seed. Nice sized bulbs, undamaged and free of mold, from a local source. (Hardneck garlic is typically Ontario, or at least Canadian, so if it has a good strong stem in the middle that's one indication.)
Prepare your soil for planting (it generally doesn't need any special fertilizers unless you are concerned about the soil being poor quality just get it tilled and ready). Sun, or part sun seem to be ideal, although I've suspected that garlic can grow pretty good with part shade too.
Break the cloves apart - each one becomes a new plant. Plant them 3-4 inches deep, with the pointy end up - that's where the sprout emerges. Recommended distance for small spaces: 8 inches apart in a grid. Or, 6 inches apart in rows, 20 - 30 inches apart. I find hilling up the rows, or raising the bed a good idea for drainage and winter run off.

When to plant: I do it right now: Sept 20 - 25. Most people say that's too early. For me it works.
You can plant into October. I find November is a poor time to plant. Especially if we have a early winter, the roots don't have enough time to establish, and the bulbs can be small at harvest.

For keeping track of different varieties, a map kept in a safe place is the best insurance. Stakes can fall out or go missing or loose their marking over winter - use them anyway, but keep a map!
I do both, plus I grow very different kinds next to each other in the row, so that if the stake goes missing, I can still tell visually where the variety changed (a bio-marker, if you will).

If your garlic comes up before the snow flies - don't worry, I've had that happen quite a few years, and never had problems with the next harvest. If it doesn't come up, in the fall, and you are worried about the germ of the seed, you can always dig, very gently with your fingers and check on them (don't break off the shoot if it's there!) Otherwise, have patience, garlic is a survivor and you will find out in spring. Garlic emerges quite early, and grows quickly in spring.

Mulch is an option as well - both for winter protection and summer moisture conservation. I've used straw, hay and fall maple leaves to good effect. Just be sure the spout can get through the layer of mulch in April/May.
If you have rodent issues, apply the mulch after they are done making their nests - after freeze off in the late fall.

...I hope I didn't miss anything. It's back to planting for me!
All the best with your planting projects! Julie

Thanks for making the Stratford Garlic Festival Great!

Hi there! We had a wonderful two days at the Stratford Garlic Festival last Saturday and Sunday. It is always great to talk to everyone and meet new people.
If anyone wants to be on our mailing list for next year, just send us an email with the subject as "Send me a catalogue next year!" Thanks.
A couple of our garlic strains sold out at the Festival, but there are still quite a few Porcelains and Marbled Purple Stripes in stock. And some Rocamboles and Creoles.  Please inquire if you are still looking for seed.

And, something I've been wanting to share: if any of you struggle with the tedium of peeling garlic, especially for a large event, like pickling garlic, preparing garlic for dehydrating, or roasting a forty-clove chicken! (A good meal choice to plan in after garlic planting, lol.) There is a simple trick that can make it easier to get, especially that thin sticky membrane off the cloves. Break the cloves apart, and JUST PUT THEM IN WATER! Tepid water works fine, soak for about five to ten minutes. the water loosens the clove skins and keeps them from breaking, so that once you get your paring knife under them, they come off all in one piece. This saves you time, no matter how much garlic you eat for lunch! And no gadget required.
Garlicky Regards, Julie