Garlic / onions for the first time

[Spireite]

I am think of attempting garlic and onions next year in my garden...which will probably double the size of my veg patch...
Do I need to do any specific prepatory digging/manure work.  My earmarked probable site is currently covered in 'ornamental' grass, weeds, and daffs that are now dying down.  Do I plant them this Autumn?
Thnk you.

[Spireite]

[jimtheworzel]

hi and wecome to a4a
garlic in autumn

onions now !!

[goodlife]

If you do clear off all the plants that are there now..and providing the ground is not very compacted, just slight 'once over' with fork or spade will do..you don't have to do thorough digging as such for those crops.
Like Jim said...summer onions are planted around 'now' and garlic and winter onions late autumn-early winter, and those are ready for cropping next summer.

It always help for any veg crop if you apply some compost..manure is not necessary and slight dressing of basic fertilizer like fish, blood and bone meal to get them in good start will keep them going over winter.
Next spring is good to apply another feed as winter propably wash away most of the nutrients and they will need bit of 'snap' to get them good growth again when weather warm up.

Well done for being so ahead with planning!..I can already 'feel' that your 'fist attempt' is going to be success for you... ;)

[Spireite]

Thank you for the replies, so if I clear the area once the weather dries out a little (so that will be about the end of July at this rate  ;) ) and then put some BFB on...I will be ready to plant in the Autumn  ;D A nice little summer project for me.  Yes, forward planning, but I am trying to pace myself, I think my green bean seedlings are a little waterlogged now, (I have yet to get a greenhouse) so will prob only get 1 wigwam out of them  :-\

Oh and are the winter varieties of onion different to the summer ones...do I just buy one type and plant them at different times of year? Hubby isn't fond of onions, but loves his garlic, but I am quite partial to red ones, hence I shall attempt to grow both  ;D