Topic: garlic

[Eristic]

1. They are not bred for this country
2. They are not 'certified' stock.

Why should either point matter? The fact remains that shop bought garlic generally produces as good a yield as overpriced seed stock in the south of the country.

[grawrc]

yes
 but no choice whatever

ok if that's what you want

[ninnyscrops]

Sorry Tim - up with TeeGee on this one.

Been growing garlic for 4 seasons (so not in the least an expert) and only plant the biggest cloves, original ones were from France (a plait brought back from daughter's holiday) but also plant ones from local farmers' market in town.

Sometimes plant the ones I harvest that don't clove, ie the smallest of the crop.

Not yet bought one from a commercial supplier  :)

Ninnyscrops

[hopalong]

If supermarket garlic works for you that's fine, of course, but you will miss out on a wide range of delicious alternatives (from France and Spain as well as the UK, Tim!) and you can't be nearly so confident that it's going to be virus and fungus free.

[tim]

Why should it all matter? Because:

1. Despite success from market bulbs, UK grown ones are more likely to succeed?
2. Some market bulbs - at great cost - would not equal three of our cloves.
3. We suppose that 'certified' stock is less likely to introduce white rot. Don't live to regret it. But, of course, if you have re-selected annually, like TG & others, you know that your stock is clean?
4. Bulbs bought fresh on the Continent - no need to apologise! - are nothing like the ****** dried up ones from the s/market.
5. Yes - if you really know what you are doing, fine. But if not, a pound or two could save you later distress.
6. Choice? All the UK ones - Scottish, East Anglian, IOW - are selected from the great variety of Continental/Russian varieties. No shortage of choice - unless you want more than 20. When will we be satisfied?

PS I'm just chatting!!

[Eristic]

and you can't be nearly so confident that it's going to be virus and fungus free.

Why?

Most of the seed stock is grown under contract in Europe so what is the difference? Most of the seed stock I've ever seen has not been fit for the kitchen let alone crop planting and should never have been on the market.

OK you can all call me a food moron if you want but unless you intend to eat the stiff raw very few people will be able to taste the difference once its been in the pan so growing lots of named varieties seems a waste of effort.

[Eristic]

dried up ones from the s/market.

Anyone who buys veg at the supermarket deserves what they get. Try shopping in the High Street where the turnover puts the largest stores to shame and the punters shamelessly throw anything below standard on the floor.

The large supermarkets do not buy quality, they buy uniformity.

PS. I'm just yapping too.

[hopalong]

and you can't be nearly so confident that it's going to be virus and fungus free.

Why?

Most of the seed stock is grown under contract in Europe so what is the difference? Most of the seed stock I've ever seen has not been fit for the kitchen let alone crop planting and should never have been on the market.

OK you can all call me a food moron if you want but unless you intend to eat the stiff raw very few people will be able to taste the difference once its been in the pan so growing lots of named varieties seems a waste of effort.

We'll have to agree to differ. The (mainly French) seed stock I've bought for the last couple of years has been marvellous and the taste of the garlic I've grown has been miles better than anything I've bought in a supermarket.  In fact it's been a revelation.
Paul

P.S.  Just yapping too

[Robert_Brenchley]

The trick with all garlic is to plant the biggest cloves. Don't take whole bulbs for planting, take the biggest cloves off the bulbs, and eat the rest. If anyone complains about the shape of the bulb that arrives in the kitchen, give them no sympathy!

[ninnyscrops]

Seconded Mr Brenchley!  ;D