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Garlic sources?

post #1 of 15
8/19/10 at 4:58pm
Thread Starter 
I've never grown garlic before, but I it and want to try my hand at it this year. There are still several varieties available from Seed Savers, but they seem so pricey, and none of my other regular seed companies offer garlic. (I admit, SSE and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds are my only "regular" seed companies.)

Where do you get yours? And variety recommendations? Thanks!
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post #2 of 15
8/20/10 at 10:03am
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply - www.groworganic.com

Irish Eyes - http://www.irisheyesgardenseeds.com/...788ea3&x=0&y=0

Those are the two I know of. I don't know what types do best here either, I need to figure that out as October is just around the corner and I need to get the beds ready next month when we move into our new place.
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post #3 of 15
8/23/10 at 5:58am
Go troll your local farmer's market. I live in a state where I can't get garlic, some fruit trees and such shipped here. I have Brian the Garlic Guy here (he sells regular garlic that's acclimated to the area/his yard, so you can eat it or plant it!). It's fun.
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post #4 of 15
8/23/10 at 6:41pm
Great idea! I need to go troll. I will have my own garden soon to play in.
I haven't been to many of the farmers' market her yet.
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post #5 of 15
8/25/10 at 6:21pm
I always buy garlic to plant from the farmer's market or the local natural foods store, which sells local garlic this time of year.

I agree, seed garlic from seed companies is silly expensive. All you need, is something that was grown near where you live, and then you know it does well there!
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post #6 of 15
8/26/10 at 12:39pm
I bought mine from my local nursery 4 years ago. It was slightly more expensive than store-bought garlic, but I had more varieties to choose from. Every year, I replant 1/2 of the garlic I harvest (always using the nicest heads to replant) and use the other half. As a result, I not only haven't had to buy seed garlic since that first year, my harvest grows every year.

Unlike other seed, I see seed garlic as a one-time (or periodic, if you want to add new varieties) investment.
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post #7 of 15
8/27/10 at 2:54pm

seed garlic is worth it!

It's a great idea to save your own seed garlic to plant the following season. I agree, though, that you should start with certified seed garlic. Be sure it has been tested for fusarium and nematodes. (These fungus/pests are showing up a lot in garlic grown around the states.) It's more expensive, but it's important that we not spread these problems through our own gardens. It's worth the expense to start with stock you know to be clean and selected for growing.
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post #8 of 15
9/8/10 at 9:28pm
Once again I came to MDC to ask a question, to find it already answered! I've never grown garlic before, but it's time to expand my growing season.
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post #9 of 15
9/15/10 at 4:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by richella View Post
Once again I came to MDC to ask a question, to find it already answered! I've never grown garlic before, but it's time to expand my growing season.
me too!

I'm trying to decide if I want go to a natural food store or buy seed garlic. I know I should just order it from somewhere, but it's so tempting to just pick some up when I'm at the grocery store!

I'm thinking about winter spinach too Just need to find some straw!
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post #10 of 15
9/23/10 at 12:25pm
i just bought some on clearance from jung seed company.
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post #11 of 15
9/30/10 at 7:56am
I use alfalfa meal raked into the top lightly before planting. I have scattered milorganite around in the past, after planting but saw no difference. Of course shortly after planting it turns frigid and there is no growth, but I think I have enough iron in the soil already so it seemed a waste.
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post #12 of 15
10/1/10 at 12:18am
they say to plant it on the shortest day of the year. is that true?
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post #13 of 15
10/1/10 at 1:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jee'smom View Post
they say to plant it on the shortest day of the year. is that true?
If you live down south, sure. If you're north (I'm zone 5, 1.5-2 hours from the Canadian border), there's likely to be snow on the ground that day. Here I plant garlic in October. You want to do it a week or three before the first *hard* frost so the bulb can root out a little. And mulch 'em so they're happy and you don't have to weed first thing in the spring.
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post #14 of 15
10/1/10 at 9:35am
Yes, and because the ground will be too hard to put your bulbs in if you wait too long.
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post #15 of 15
10/12/10 at 4:29pm
I wonder if SSE plants garlic places other than NE Iowa?

I have some Red Chinook from SSE that it the greatest, but maybe not for you climate.
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