Garlic comparison
Top left big bulb is just-picked hard-neck garlic (about 3 1/2 inches across…the way you want it to be. To its left is a bulb that was planted in the spring. The bottom bulb came from an overlooked bulb left in the garden last year that grew wild. The two cloves to its right are from the spring-planted bulb. The 4 little cloves are from the forgotten wild bulb. Top right is an open flower from a wild garlic plant. To its right is a partially-opened flower. To its right is an unopened flower. Conclusion: Plant individual cloves a minimum of 6 inches apart in late October. Cut off scape when it is curled into a circle in the spring. Dig bulbs when the leaves are dry about Aug 1. Cut off stem leaving 3 inches of neck or braid into rope. Cure about 2 weeks before use. Store bulbs in mesh a bag or hang out of sunlight for use thru the winter. (you can dry cloves thoroughly and grind into powder.) Enjoy!