Can I shift/re-plant garlic?

[Dottie]

Last autumn I planted 4 elephant garlic, 1 in each corner of an asparagus raised bed. At the time I thought it was an excellent use of space and was very happy. The summer companion had been basil, which aspargus likes.

However I have recently read an item on companion planting, which states that asparagus is not a happy companion of garlic. So much for independent planting action.

So the question is: Can I safely move my garlic? As in will it continue to grow and not be too shocked by a move?

I'm thinking that I might be able to make a hole in each corner, lifting each as a lump and re-planting the lump in another bed. The garlic has already sprouted or at least 2 have, if that makes any difference.

Dottie about me lottie

[Paulottie]

Certainly easier to move the garlic than the sparrow's grass!

Should be ok to move the garlic (asap)...best if soil is a bit dry.... it might knock it back a couple of weeks to re-establish the roots but doesn't sound like they're roots are too extensive and the spring growth spurt hasn't started yet.

[Dottie]

Rain rain and more rain at the moment, so not much chance of soil been dry. Why is dry better than moist?

Will it be better to move while wet asap, if the rain ever stops or cover for a while under individual old drinking water containers? The containers are like using little greenhouses, so it would help dry the patch but would also encourage growth. I could do a mad dash to the plot in the rain, deposit the containers and be on my way. Thus confirming to anyone watching that I really am dottie about me lottie.

Will I also need to dry out/cover the new bed, prior to re-planting the garlic? Or maybe add new compost to the new bed?

Good to know they can be moved though, as I don't want to upset the asparagus.

Dottie about me lottie.

[Nicos]

I moved mine a few years ago- and it was fine...just try and take a big clump of soil with the roots!

[zazen999]

Dottie - don't worry about it. Jut take a clump of soil and get it moved.

[Dottie]

Thanks Nicos and zazen999, direct action always feel good.

Lots of rain today and last night, but the forecast is sunshine on Saturday! I'll settle for dry and then get on and move them. As they are in raised beds the drainage should be better, so all will be well.

The winter months have definitely confirmed my decision to make my plot into a raised bed paradise, as I've being able to get on and visit my plot as and when. No concerns of compacting soil or getting mud on my boots, I've just needed to wrap-up warm and do shorter visits due to coldness. So yep I lose planting area for paths, but I've gained by having all year access and only have to deal with weeds in beds and not the whole plot.

[Dottie]

Thanks for all the advice, it stayed dry today and so I was able to re-plant as planned.

Now I shall just wait and see, but feeling confident that all is well.

However the process was made easier due to moving the garlic from raised bed to raised bed, because I was told the soil was waterlogged on plots that are more traditional. Someone on another plot had just pulled some leeks and sank into the mud, but still went home with her leeks. Whereas my raised beds were fine to work with and showed no signs of waterlogging.

Dottie about me lottie.

[zazen999]

Hi Dottie.

It might be worth popping your location into your profile so that we know where you are. It really will help when responding to any questions.