Can I plant Garlic in September?

[CimaDirapa]

I usually follow the advice on the bag and stick them in October, however last year they all came out smaller than expected (soil is a good draining variety) and me thinking maybe I should start planting now.

Is this a bad idea? also is it OK to do the same with over winter onion sets (Radar and Electric)?

Didn't get a precise answer from my Joy Larkcom book so I am asking here.

I saw a thread from last year here but still some say they like it in October and some say it didn't matter ?!

[Incy]

I am looking forward to hearing the response to this one. I am planning to grow garlic for the first time this year so any advice will be very welcome!

[zazen999]

Yes, but they will need longer than 6 months in the ground; at 6 months they won't have formed cloves yet [I did a trial so I know!!!].

I'm putting enough in over a sustained period for a long period of wet garlic prior to the cloves forming; so some in Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec.....with the dec ones being harvested on Midsummer Day.

Ideally; you can pop it in on the shortest day and by the longest day it should be fully cloved.....and those that go in earlier will be ready slightly earlier....

I put Senshu onions in the ground yesterday, and Radar and Shakespeare into modules the day before.......and will be getting more to go in the ground over the next few weeks.

[pdblake]

I find September is the best time to plant garlic. I'll be putting mine in towards the end of the month.

[gadgetman]

So when would a sept planting be ready?

Would the ground be clear ready for planting out in May if Purples' were planted?

[bobleponge]

My onions and garlic will be going in the ground in very early October, probably the 1st or 2nd.
They went in around the same time last year and grew very well, onions in particular were fantastic, and were harvested on the longest day.