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Old October 11, 2011   #3
fortyonenorth
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NW Indiana
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Tom's advice is excellent. Additionally, garlic is somewhat unique in that some varieties take a year or two (or more) to acclimate to new growing conditions. For example, if you purchased seed garlic that was produced on one soil type in Oregon, you might not expect top size bulbs the first year of planting on a different soil type in NJ. I'm not certain of all the factors involved, but this principal is widely recognized by garlic growers and, in my experience, is dependent on variety. I have grown varieties which allegedly produce "very large" heads that have yielded only nuggets in my garden.

The only other thing I would add is that, like other alliums, bulb size is determined by above ground growth before bulb formation begins. Make sure to provide regular and adequate irrigation throughout the spring. Once the bulbs begin to form, you can cut back.
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