After a mild winter the garlic is off to a great start

[jackb]

Last year at this time the raised beds were still frozen solid. Last week I removed the straw mulch cover from the garlic and found it looking great after our very mild winter.

 

[PhilaGardener]

After the bed warms a bit, do you put the straw back, @jackb ? I try to mulch mine (which also are off to a great start) to keep the weeds down.

 

[jackb]

After the bed warms a bit, do you put the straw back, @jackb ? I try to mulch mine (which also are off to a great start) to keep the weeds down.

Yes, I do put straw down for mulch, but not has heavy a layer as what I put on to protect the bulbs for the winter. Last year there was four feet of snow on the bed most of the winter and I lost several bulbs. These bulbs are all from last year's crop, but they are all mixed up so I don't know the varieties. I plant onions in the other bed and I mulch them with straw also. I am thinking of using straw on the tomatoes this year as well.
jacb

 

[catjac1975]

My garlic last through the winter with no mulch.

 

[ducks4you]

Wow! I planted two weeks ago and they are 1/2 that height and visibly growing every day. I am pleasantly surprised, and look forward to a good garlic harvest!

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

ugh, i didn't pull mine last year so they are sprouting in clusters this year. but they are looking good so far. the mild weather this season has them sprouting sooner than expected.

 

[Smart Red]

My garlic last through the winter with no mulch.

Mine, too, and it looks great so far this year!

 

[jackb]

This year's garlic is all from cloves from last year's harvest, just as this year's tomatoes and annuals are from seeds from last year's crop. Just goes to show how frugal I am.

 

[ducks4you]

Frugelness is next to Godliness.

 

[jackb]

Well, the garlic is finished, so Ava and I planted green beans in the space vacated by the garlic. I'll put the garlic in a mesh bag and hang it in the tool shed to dry for a week or so. I love to open the shed and smell the garlic, whew!!