Larger cloves from larger bulbs will yield larger bulbs next year. Also give them plenty of nitrogen in early March, early April, and early May - then stop fertilization. In other words, grow the green, and the green will grow the bulbs.

TomNJ/VA

Sounds good. I don't use chemicals in my garden, but I do plan on putting down more horse manure this fall, especially on my garlic.

Starting with big cloves spaced a good 8 inches apart, planting in nice loose compost soil in full sun, and fertilizing in early spring to turn them darker should get you 3 inchers on most hardneck species. I've gotten 4 inchers before, but most of my garlics get to around 3 inches on average.

The picture shows a German Red Hardneck, but I personally like my porcelain garlics the best becuse no matter how big they get, they will still only produce 2-5 cloves per bulb which makes peeling easier in conjunction with a flavorful garlic.

Excellent. I'm excited about next year's crop. I think I'll get a second variety going.

You can boost the nitrogen organically with blood meal (12-0-0).

TomNJ/VA