Topic: Garlic - am i too late?

[kitten]

Hi all, i have some garlic that is for spring planting (printanor from organic gardening catalogue) but i'm wondering if i've missed the boat already?  Our soil has been too wet to put it in the lottie yet, but could i pop it in modules just to start it off, rather than leave it in it's packet?  Thanks in advance x

[Tulipa]

I am sure there was a thread earlier in the week that said it is not too late.  I hope so as I only got mine today.  I have definitely planted this late before so I think you will be ok.  I am sure someone more qualified than me will be along soon to confirm.  Please?

[Paulines7]

I had Printanor and Solent White last year, planted them in March and April and had a magnificent crop.  I haven't put mine in yet as it is too wet under foot but I will plant them when we have a spell of dry weather.

[kitten]

Thanks paulines7 that's put my mind at rest, i'll keep a hold of them til the ground dries out a bit, hopefully in the next few weeks!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Put them in straight off; last year we had a very late spring; this year might be quite different. Unless you soil's actually waterlogged, get them planted!

[kitten]

Oh blimey, now i'm confused  ???  I think i'll put them in as soon as poss then, don't suppose it'll hurt even if the ground is a bit sticky.  Our plot doesn't get waterlogged so it's just a case of waiting for a dry couple of days.  Thanks all

[philcooper]

No wonder you're confused with directly opposing advice!

The safe method (so that you don't risk the cloves rotting in ground that is too wet) is to start them off in modules, then put them out as soon as the ground is fit. In my experience the longer they grow the better, and frost helps them. (and there's plenty of time for some of those)

Phil

[Paulines7]

The instructions I got from Tuckers last year with the garlic Solent Wight and Printanor was to plant in March or April.

[philcooper]

They appear to have partially changed their tune.

Their 2007 Catalogue says that Solent Wight is for autumn or spring planting (and my experience is that the longer time they are in the ground the bigger the bulb).

Printanor is for spring planting (this could be because the bulbs weren't available until January!!)

And it's spring in 8 days  ;)

Phil

[Robert_Brenchley]

Solent Wight can be planted as late as March, according to the Garlic Farm, where the variety originated. That doesn't imply that autumn isn't the best time!

[Paulines7]

And it's spring in 8 days  ;)
Phil

I thought Spring began on the 21st March!   :-\

[star]

I put mine in in November, but you can plant up to March. Before planting its recommended to plant the bulb on sand to aid drainage.....I didnt do that :-[

Modules is good, or toilet roll innards, then you can plant the lot without disturbing the roots!

[philcooper]

I thought Spring began on the 21st March!   :-\

On that basis, Summer starts on 21 June (which is mid summers day!!  ???)

Spring starts when it feels like Spring - and at the moment it feels like Spring

Phil