I've read different opinions, some say that planting earlier will grow stronger roots while others do not like having a lot of top growth killed. I don't think there is a "bad" way that will ruin your results. You can plant them really late and they will still grow.

Since you like garlic, and if you have the room, why not experiment? Plant an early planting, a mid-Autumn planting, and a November planting. Since they will all have the same conditions in your region you can see which does the best.

Good idea if I have the patience and remember I might. Side by side every 2 weeks will give a pretty good estimate BUT even then the first hard freeze can really vary. I have planted in in mid Nov and had more fall growth in then in mid October. My point is what the weather is like in late October and Novembewr is crucial. This also answers my questions somewhat. It is impossible to get it right every year because you cannot predict the 5 week weather from mid Oct to late Nov.

I've planted from mid October into November and haven't ever noticed any significant difference in bulb size. Some years the garlic will sprout before the ground freezes, some years it won't. Except for a couple of very severe winters with abnormally low temps I haven't noticed entire leaves dying. Most years the worst that happens is that the very end of the leaf tips may be damaged but it's a non issue and the plants quickly outgrow it in spring.

If one wants to observe the natural growth cycle of garlic then I suggest letting a few bulbs remain in the ground in an out of the way spot. It's quite interesting how soon the plants will start sprouting after the heat of summer is over.

Rodney

Like Rodney, I'm in zone 5/Michigan and have planted anywhere from the middle of October through the middle of November, depending on when I have time. I plant 250 each year and I haven't noticed any difference in size of the garlic bulbs or the time I harvest.

Annie