In a Nutshell
This project tested the effect on over-wintered garlic yield of planting date and two mulching strategies: companion-seeded oat cover crop vs. straw mulch. Farmer-cooperator Mark Quee planted garlic in September with a companion oat cover crop (oat residue following winterkill intended to serve as mulch). Garlic planted in October was mulched with straw.
Key Findings
September-planted garlic had higher yield than October-planted, but pervasive rot in several areas of the field may have impacted results