Garlic needs cold to germinate.

Thanks - I probably planted it a bit later last year. We'll be getting some cold here soon.

You planted cloves, right? They don't have to germinate. Seeds different story.

"Do I have bad garlic, or impatience problems?" Probably impatience problems! ;)

Do they have enough water and heat? I planted mine yesterday, and only want to see a little green, so that I know they are alive, then mulch as soon as we are expecting a freeze.

You don't really need to see a lot of top growth since that will die back during the winter, unless you want to use the greens.

I did plant cloves, Wertach - I had thought I would see some top growth by now, but other reading I've done (specifically, instructions on Seeds of Change site) bears out Stuffradio's advice. I'm sure my soil temperature is just beginning to cool off - although we are due for a cold snap mid-week this week! I will be scurrying to cover some of the frost-sensitive plants.

FWIW, I've been growing garlic (French Music hard neck variety) for several years and always planted in the middle to end of October here in SE Ohio. Some years it's up in a couple of weeks, some years, don't see much until very early the next spring. doesn't seem to affect the harvest though. I always make sure I stake and clearly show where it's planted to preclude forgetting it's there and tilling it or something stupid.....:-)

Oh, if you planted a hard neck variety, it has to be positioned "root" end down, as opposed to the soft neck kind which can be just tossed in the furrow.

Good luck,

Ev