On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 15:24:14 GMT, "joe s" wrote:

ok, i would like to plant some garlic (with the rest of my garden [tomatoes,
carrots, onions, lettuce, mics. herbs, bush beans, brocolli, cauliflower,
cukes, radishes, cabbage, mustard greens and corn]i live in Florida, land of
the year round garden) and i haven't a clue on how to start

Softneck varieties will be best for your area. They have lots of
flaky skin, and usually many small cloves. Stiffneck varieites are
mostly planted in colder areas. They have larger, fewer cloves but
the skin is thin, so many people say they don't store well (I deny
this allegation...stiffnecks store extremely well as long as they're
dried out). Never wash garlic to clean it (this will certainly
attract mold). Simply peel the dirty outer layer to gain a clean
bulb.

i do have a bulb i picked up from the grocery..can i just nab a clove off
and get it in some water?

It might have growth inhibitors, which will make it a pain in the neck
(a stiff-neck? hehe ). Buy from a local organic grower or order
form a catalog. Get bulbs, dont get seeds.

what is the official process for growing garlic?

Depends on where you live. Warm climates are good for softneck
varieties (think Gilroy, CA)...those can be planted in the spring or
just about any time of year. Colder areas (where the ground freezes)
need to plant stiffneck varieties in the fall. To harvest big bulbs
requires lots of everything....lots of soil nutrients, lots of sun,
and lots of water (more water makes weaker but bigger bulbs)

Dan