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Trouble with Hardneck Garlic #867566

Asked May 08, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT

We planted hard neck garden from garlic cloves we were given from my sister, who is a prolific garlic grower from NW Indiana. We planted the garlic in a raised bed and in October and covered it with grass clippings as mulch. My sister’s garlic is going gangbusters, where ours has not sprouted. I dug around and found a clove. It looked very brown on the outside and had red growths on the outside of the clove, appearing to me to be some sort of fungus that was eating the clove. I will upload a picture. Your diagnosis on what went wrong and what to do differently in the future would be helpful. We love everything gatlic: cloves, scapes, bubils.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
It is one of these diseases.  https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/vegetable/garlic/rootsdiscolored.html
Many times, this is caused by having a poorly draining bed and overwatering. But it is not this simple. Your sister is growing in Zone 6.  I can not speak to her bulb technique.  You should only buy bulbs grown for zone 5a from grower who ensures the health of the bulb.  Also bulbs should be broken into cloves before planting.  See instructions here. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic#growing-garlic-from-cloves-867610
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear.  This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 08, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT

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