Garlic - planting on the shortest day

[clarelouise4]

On the radio the other day I'm sure I heard someone saying that you should put your garlic in on 21st December and that it will be more productive than garlic planted at any other time. has anyone tried this or is it another old wives tale?
Thanks
Clare

[dexterdoglancashire]

What an interesting question! sorry, cant remember the thread but a few Grapes were talking about planting crops in line with the phases of the moon. I wonder if this is the same thing? does anyone know? dexterdog

[clarelouise4]

I think you could be right there - the guest was on to talk about superfoods but did mention something about moon growing and such.

[nick the grief]

Don't know about Garlic but shallots used to be
"Plant on the shortest day & harvest on the longest day".

Well that swhat my Dad always did. BUT it depends on variety as some of them shouldn't be planted before March else they will bolt - Ambition is one.

[JennieAtkinson]

It would mean I would be planting in the dark

[nick the grief]

but you'd have loadsssss of time to harvest them

[rauni]

I've heard that one before too, and it must be dependant on variety, but I've had by far the best garlic crops from planting in a dryish (dry North Wales style, eg, not very dry at all) spell in November. They get well established, and go like the clappers in spring. Enough to store for the year, and several braids given away, from 3 bulbs autumn planted, and three bulbs spring planted, but the autumn ones were massive. Pippa Greenwood recommends autumn planting on small ridges (6" or so high) if you have very heavy/ wet soil.