So this is my first successful year of growing garlic. I have a few heads that are starting to crown above the ground. (more that have not, but there a few)

Very nice... what type of garlic are you growing? Have the tops died down?

My garlic is just now setting scapes. I don't harvest until the tops turn yellow and start to die back.

For me that usually is into May or June.

I picked up the only two varieties they had at a local nursery last year:
S & H Silver (Silver skin) and Sam Lacoma (Artichoke) .

The S&H states that it is a late producer and has a pinkish to rose top. I have not found information on the Sam Lacoma but I am guessing that this is the variety that is currently bulbing.

Most tops are starting to die back, but still have a lot of green to them as well. Last year I was unsuccessful in growing Creole but this year I have better depth and room to grow.

Not the best photo, this was taken this morning with a iphone.

I had asked what type you were growing as the ones in your first photos have the prettiest coloring on the bulbs.

Have you pulled one to sample yet?

I have not pulled a sample yet. Even though both of garlic I planted should be soft neck, I did have one lone wolf that decided to send out a flower. (I did not think soft neck flowered)

I will probably take a sample tonight and take better photos.

Today's post has been cancelled due to the mind set of a certain individual.

Past: After building two garden beds, Stewart had other items to do away from the house. Upon returning to the house, to his surprise, the two beds were planted. Multiple garlic cloves and some onions that my daughter had purchased were all planted.

Last night: I go out to the beds and start digging around a nice purple bulb, only to pull it out and to my dismay .......... it was an onion . Daughter looks at me says, "Oh that's one of my green onion that I planted. Ok, I am not bright but I do know the difference between green (white or yellow) and purple. I guess my next lesson is to be able to get my head straight and now be able to tell which area is planted with what. There are no dividing lines to speak of, just a bed of chives that I will guess at later on. I did dig around what I presumed was a garlic, only to be disappointed that there was not hardly a bulb at all at the bottom. I think it will be strike two for me trying to grow garlic.

Very bummed!

I've heard of too many cooks in the kitchen... but more planters in the garden should be good!
Besides, you are only on strike two. Hang in there.

I believe you are correct. I don't think soft neck is known to flower. I also think the softneck is better suited to this climate. But every time I think I get hardneck/softneck sorted out, I get proven wrong so don't take my word for it.

The garlic I have was commonly grown in this area, perhaps like an heirloom. It grows wild in the ditches and some fields. I leave mine in ground year around like a perennial although the foliage dies down. It is a bit hotter garlic, does not form but one or two bulbs per plant, it does bloom yet seems to be suited to this climate. If you want to try a start of them, I will gladly share when digging time gets here.

That sounds fantastic, I'll TRY any garlic!

I may just wait until my steams have died back and pull them to replant in Oct. Or, just pull all of the dang things and throw them in the dehydrator.

You got it. I'll get your address when it is digging time.

Don't know how much you have growing but you might pull some to use and save a few to replant again.

When did you plant your crop?

October

Then they should be forming some bulbs. It's a mystery.