I use aerated worm/compost tea around once every 2-3 weeks, and it does seem to thicken the stems, but I also only use it as a supplement to the manure. I also keep them well watered on sunny days.

I plan to keep using it until they are pretty close to bulbing which should happen in another month or so around here.

Here is a link that might be useful: my garlic

Thanks steve, great pics and info. I do the same thing with my onions, i start from seed then in fall plant the seedlings or marble size bulbs, works great for me. thanks bill