Garlic: no scapes but there should be

[Snoop Puss]

I grow garlic from self-saved heads. Every year, they produce scapes a few weeks before harvest time. This year, only about a quarter have put up scapes, but they are yellowing, the leaves are splitting and generally the plants really struggling in the heat. In fact, they look proper wilty. I've watered and fed but they are not looking at all happy.

Anybody got any experience of this situation? Will I just end up with a single head rather than cloves? Sorry for not posting a picture.

[Mr Bones]

Some of ours didn't produce scapes this year but when lifted to check, the bulb skins were starting to split so I lifted them all. Perhaps lift one or two to see what's happening down there.

[Snoop Puss]

Thanks, Mr Bones. Sensible suggestion. Some of them have quite thick necks, so I had been hoping for a good harvest. You've reassured me. Will lift a few this evening and inspect.