This topic contains 10 replies, has 8 voices, and was last updated by ElizaD 5 years, 6 months ago.
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Hello Paul and this is such a nice result, thanks for sharing.
I am also intrigued that the hardneck garlic has matured already, because mine are still swelling, as they mature later than softneck.
Best of luck with regrowing them!As an addition to the supermarket garlic … my neighbouring allotmenteer said the ‘dried instant peas’ from Sainsbury are a good way to grow peas (he was partly right) and the lady in our independent bakery said Waitrose’s living salad provides ample lettuce seedlings. I tried both. Waitrose … amazing lettuce harvests and stunning varieties I wish I could put a name to … Sainsbury peas, hmmmm. germination is patchy but the plants are strong.
I, too have grown dried marrowfat peas from the supermarket, a 1kg bag. I used them for shoots (which I grew from time to time in a tray). Initially germination was good but did get worse over time and now after 4 years the last batch I tried was disappointing, but to be expected.
“they” say we shouldn’t plant supermarket garlic (and potatoes) due to the introduction of diseases. I understand plants grown for consumption aren’t checked the same way as plants grown for further cultivation. But it is expensive to do so; I was disappointed with my yield of official solent white from 2 bulbs bought for £10!!
I have also planted shop bought garlic and had good results. I had a variety of garlic in the ground from last year’s October planting and harvested them last week. I had a mixture of hard and soft neck garlic, I can never remember which is which, but the ones with the scapes did better than the others and I will plant those again this year. Incidentally, I have never eaten the scapes, I have always replanted them. I have never planted them separately or written down anything about them, but I will keep a little diary now and see how things go for the next year and they will have an area to themselves from now on. I usually replant late September/early October.
I thought I might try some garlic for the first time and saw this post. If I buy supermarket garlic is there anything I should particularly look for other than largish bulbs? I presume you just split the bulb and take off the papery skin and plant the cloves? If I plant say the middle of this month when would I harvest? I have a raised bed which will just sit empty for winter so may as well give it a go. By the way I am in Somerset. PS what a joy to be still harvesting outdoor tomatoes instead of throwing blighted plants on the compost heap! Still harvesting outdoor cucumbers too. Best summer for years.
Many thanks, Eliza
Bumping up last post, Eliza
You’re along the right lines Eliza, but I don’t spend too much time removing the papery skins; doesn’t happen in nature. Bear in mind that they will be taking up residence for most of the main growing season next year, but following them with autumn brassicas or winter salads could be good. Enjoy growing and eating your own garlic 🙂
Eliza, I grew ‘shop’ garlic,described as ‘IOW organic’ from a village shop in Lulworth.
It produced magnificently, now second season so can recommend. Personally, I shall plant early November, in N Hampshire, as although its nice to see it up, it will overwinter best if not too tall and exposed. I mulched it with hay ,this year just prior to the Beast from east. No slug damage was seen.
Good LuckMany thanks Stringfellow and Cleansweep. I shall purchase some supermarket garlic and see what happens! Do you think I should wait and sow in November when I am sowing my broad beans or sooner?
Thanks, Eliza
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