It has been allowed to remain in the ground for an average of 7-10 days longer than garlic grown for consumption. The brown sheath coloration and staining are normal. Leave the outer skin on the bulb and do not separate cloves from the bulb until you are ready to plant. Spend time preparing your soil. Garlic is a very heavy feeder and to grow big bulbs you need highly fertilized soil, well supplied with all the major nutrients.
Full sun is best.
Because a high humus content and good drainage are also very important, adding compost is also advisable. Garlic likes a pH in a range of 6.0-7.0. 4. Plant garlic from the first fall frost date until as late as November. Spring planting will greatly reduce yields. Plant individual cloves approximately 6 inches apart.