Garlic can be planted in early, late varieties

Question: I'd love to grow garlic in my garden. What's the best time to plant the bulbs and when do you harvest garlic? Dave K. Penryn
Garlic, Allium sativum, is an easy to grow perennial vegetable. UC Davis recommends "California Late" or "California Early" varieties.
California Late is considered better quality by the trade but is less productive. California Early matures two to three weeks earlier and is a more vigorous, larger plant. Not to be confused is Elephant garlic, Allium scorodoprasum, which is not a true garlic but is more closely related to the common leek.
The taste is somewhat different than garlic, but the culture is similar. The larger milder bulbs can be harvested earlier than conventional garlic.
Fall is a great time to plant garlic. California Early is usually planted mid-October to mid-November. California Late is planted November to January.
Garlic grows best in rich soil in full sun. Raised beds provide good drainage to prevent bulbs from rotting.
Seed catalogs or nurseries sell disease-free mother bulbs for planting.
Grocery store garlic could also be tried. Break apart the bulbs. Using the largest cloves, plant the pointed end up, 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. If your soil is nitrogen deficient adding a complete fertilizer or compost at planting will assist the growth. Winter rains should provide sufficient moisture.
Begin harvesting garlic, depending on variety and time of planting, from May to June. The leafy tops will start to fall over and die.
Use a garden fork to dig the bulbs to prevent damage. Cut off most of the tops and remove the roots. Let the bulbs dry outdoors out of direct sunlight for three weeks until papery. Store the bulbs in a cool dry place. Then enjoy!
References: Growing Garlic in California, Division of Agricultural Sciences UC Publication Leaflet 2948, extension.usu.edu/filesfactsheets/garlicf.pdf, Master Gardener Handbook, Sunset Western Garden Book
More information regarding garlic can be obtained from University of California Cooperative Extension Web site: http://cooperativeextension@ucdavis.edu or call the Master Gardener office at (530) 889-7385, or visit http:// ceplacernevada@ucdavis.edu
If you have gardening question, contact the Master Gardeners at UCCE - Placer County, DeWitt Center, 11477 E Ave., (Bldg. 306) Auburn, CA 95603; Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hot Line: (530) 889-7388 Fax: (530) 889-7397.