Chris, I answered this where you posted it on the other thread. You might want to check there.

And, yes, fall planting is the most common practice.

Garlic is a heavy feeder. So amend the soil heavily (I use dried blood, bonemeal, and wood ashes, applies at the rate of 1 cup per row foot, plust compost) before planting. And long about May, sidedress with the same amendments.

I would recommend, too, that you read some of the backpages to pick up insights into growing and harvesting garlic.

Gardenlad,
Thanks so much for your help. You are one of the ones I was referring to on the other thread. I'm a little envious of those of you that have the space for major gardening, but in a suburb of NYC, space is at a premium (plus, my husband would lose his mind if I took up any more of the backyard!)

Chris, there's always a way to grow what you want.

Growing up in Brooklyn, we grew herbs and veggies in flowerpots on the fire escape. When we moved to Queens I had a small patch (smaller than your current one) that was mine, for veggies.

When we lived in Illinois I had a garden that was only 20 x 20 feet, not much bigger than yours. But you'd be surprised what you can grow in a space like that.

Give some thought to intensive growing techniques and companion planting and you'll maximize the use of that space.

I don't think I would grow both Shvelisi and Music. One or the other of those. On average, hardneck varieties produce about 60 cloves per pound. So you might take that into account for planning purposes.

Given your space, I would think in terms of block planting, rather than row planting. And follow up the garlic with something like bush beans or brassicas.