[dormouse]

Hi,
I pulled up one garlic last night to check on the progress and was happy to see that it has split. But it's still very small. Maybe 3/4 of an inch? They were planted last November to I guess they will be coming up in the next month or so. Would they bulk up much in that month or can I feed them with something to help them? They do have rust so I've been removing the leaves, but I'm hoping they'll stumble over the line and give me a useful crop all the same.
Thanks a lot

[michael brenock]

removing the leaves was a mistake. Though the rust would have reduced yields the total removal of any leaf is more serious.
In future plant the garlic in a more open area where there is good air movement that will help leaves to dry off faster.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[dormouse]

Thanks Michael. I didn't remove them all though, just the odd badly affected one every so often to try and stop it spreading. Anyway, in the last couple of days the foliage has really started to turn yellow so I'll be harvesting soon. Thanks