[Tanya]

With today being the shortest day - who has planted their garlic??? Moorf??? :smile

Traditionally garlic is planted on the shortest day of the year in June. In cooler districts it can be planted in early May. Planting can continue through to August. Garlic thrives in any well drained garden soil in a sunny position. Dig in plenty of compost and an application of a General Garden Fertiliser and Lime before planting. Break the garlic bulb up into individual cloves taking the largest undamaged cloves from around the outside of the bulb. Do this just before planting as the clove will start to "grow" as soon as it is broken up.

http://www.palmers.co.nz/index.cfm?componentID=378

Tanya

[selchie]

So late in the season? It seems that most of NZ has a temperate climate, with rather warm (usually above freezing) winters. If so, one could plant as early as the weeks around autumn equinox, and take advantage of the winter rains for good garlic growth. I also add a bit of bone meal (P) to the soil at planting, and blood and bone meal (N & P) as spring growth begins. Amounts: 2-3 tablespoons each per 5 linear feet. I've been getting some respectable bulbs in high summer.