Garlic variety and Phytoplasma Problem 2012

I want to order garlic but I'm stumped because there are so many varieties to choose from.
Can you please tell me your favorite hard neck variety(ies)??
Thanks,
LM

Ok I'm impatient! So I went and found this article, maybe it will help somebody else!

http://www.veggiegardeningtips.com/gourmet-garlic-varieties/

If you plan to order garlic, Seed Savers Exchange has information on this years widespread problem with Garlic Phytoplasma resulting in varieties not available or in short supply so order early!

Here is their information:
http://www.seedsavers.org/pdf/phytoplasma.pdf

That PDF explains my garlic crop...

Thanks for the heads up!

Interesting, but having read the Seed Savers Exchange information, it may explain why a soft-neck variety I planted between two hardneck garlics was a total loss, while the hardnecks went on to do quite well. The softneck was new to us, called Seville Sunset. Its leaves died off early and when I pulled the first few, was "treated" to a very nasty odor. Result: we dug ALL of the remaining bulbs and burned the whole batch. I sent a notice to Territorial Seeds (from whom I'd ordered the Sevilles), but never received an answer as to their experience, or any other complaints about that variety.
For those wanting a true garlic taste, the hardnecked variety Ajo Roja has been a winner for us, year after year. Also, the semi-hardneck Chet's Italian forms big bulbs with excellent flavor--again, year after year. Best wishes for successful crops next year. Nonna

I came across this site and wondered if anyone has purchased from them. I want to try garlic this winter. It seems to be the time to order but I don't know who to order from.

http://gourmetgarlicgardens.com/pickle.htm

Does anyone know how to write a search that would bring up any possible garlic growers in the Northeast?

Unmutual
- the problem seems to be in a large area of the midwest so I thought it was useful to a lot of people
Nonna
I looked up Ajo Roja and it sounds really good,Thanks.
What a shame to lose your garlic like that. In contrast to your unfortunate experience with Territorial Seeds, when I mentioned garlic, the rep at Seed Savers referenced and discussed the article on phytoplasma plus answered my questions without rushing me. Decided to take the plunge and try one of two varieties that are on their web page, not in the printed catalogue. Since they won't be charging me for another couple weeks I'm going to call back to discuss a discount. It is gnawing at me that I pay full price for a known questionable product...If I'm willing to risk taking a hit, shouldn't they?
cpl100
I sure liked the website, Loads and Loads of good information there, thanks. Maybe you can google your question on NE garlic growers.

LM: I did try a google with words that made sense to me but nothing came up for New England. One came up for NY but it was only for very large orders. Maybe there isn't one here but I don't have a lot of luck with googling at times so thought I'd ask if someone knew a search string that did work.

I think I am going to go with this place:

http://www.keeneorganics.com/

It is in Wisconsin which was the closest place that came up with my search string of: Garlic Growers in New England.

Tuckaway Farm is in Lee, NH and every year they have a public party to pull the garlic. I bet you have a similar more local farmer that grows organic garlic. There are no special 'seeds', just different varieties and strains. I suggest that if you have a Farmer's Market near you, buy from them.


The Great Garlic Harvest

on their website there is a mention of High Mowing Seed this is a Vermont seed farm. I love High Mowing Seed Company.

camprn wrote:Tuckaway Farm is in Lee, NH and every year they have a public party to pull the garlic. I bet you have a similar more local farmer that grows organic garlic. There are no special 'seeds', just different varieties and strains. I suggest that if you have a Farmer's Market near you, buy from them.


The Great Garlic Harvest

on their website there is a mention of High Mowing Seed this is a Vermont seed farm. I love High Mowing Seed Company.

Let me be sure I have this straight....just go to the farmers market and buy their garlic? Is that true? I have one that I can buy a head of garlic for $1.50 each.

I checked out HMSeed and their price is $19.95/lb. for Music variety which is what I was considering getting.

You got it right! Just buy a bulb of garlic and plant the individual cloves, pointy end up. In your area I would recommend planting it the first week of November, but not any earlier.

Well that is so much easier! Thanks for that information and the planting information. I read in somewhere else (here) that I should plant it between Columbus Day and the end of October. So I will plan to do it in November instead.

Now, garlic is in the allium family (correct?). And I read there are other vegetables that should not be planted after alliums (for three years!) which I find so limiting with my one 4 x 4 bed so I am planting them in pots instead.

Should I wait to buy the garlic I am planting? I am wondering if they will run out by then. The farmers market goes to mid-October but I worry they will not have garlic for that long.

Buy it now, it will keep. What plants should you not plant following onions?

camprn wrote:Buy it now, it will keep. What plants should you not plant following onions?

I've forgotten already, that is why I am worried! I can't keep all this new information in my head! It is truly mind-boggling for the new gardener. I will look it up again when I have a little more time. I believe I either read it while randomly researching something else or I read it in the book Carrots Love Tomatoes a few weeks ago.

cpl100 wrote:

camprn wrote:Buy it now, it will keep. What plants should you not plant following onions?

I've forgotten already, that is why I am worried! I can't keep all this new information in my head! It is truly mind-boggling for the new gardener. I will look it up again when I have a little more time. I believe I either read it while randomly researching something else or I read it in the book Carrots Love Tomatoes a few weeks ago.

Well, generally, unless there is a disease that is in the onions and will effect other plants, the companion planting recommendations are a general guideline and not hard and fast rules. Ease your mind and no worries. I have not had troubles with typical garden vegetable plants following onions grown in the garden.

Here is a discussion on the subject on another forum.

Yes. I did come up with that when I googled it after reading your post. I know that is not what I remember as reading earlier but I am glad to know you have not had issues.

It bothers me when I can't find something again after I found it online the first time! It happens to me often.