Normal procedure would be to mulch immediately after planting. Then the plants can come up through the mulch if they so desire. Since I've always mulched with leaves, whole or shredded, those could mat fairly solid. Several years, the plants have come up through that and still not enough cold weather to stop them. I simply add more mulch but give up after 5 or 6 inches. This year, I've also got some 6" growth above the several inches of mulch. More will be added when cold weather comes but the garlic probably doesn't need it.

In short, you can go ahead and mulch now or wait until the cold wilts the leaves naturally. Either way doesn't matter since that growth is expendable. The plants will start all over again next spring.

Martin

Great to know that info about the expendable growth. I have planted 25 cloves after 24 hours of soaking in water. They are up and out about 6 inches now, and I suspect they will continue to grow until the weather changes. I can't wait until Spring and the harvest :) I think I may put some more in teh ground in the next few days just to have some more growing. Garlic is great food :) Also makes great salsa ingredient :) I put 3 inches of mulch on them right after I put them in the ground.