What's happened to my garlic :(

[blackheartsgirl]

I planted loads down the allotment last October and now there's nothing to them, the bulbs haven't developed and I've now noticed rust spots on the leaves. I'm gutted really because last year's harvest was spectacular. I was still using till February. I planted them in a different bed too.

I'm fed up, I can't grow onions leeks because of white rot down there and because I've only got a quarter plot I'm running out of space to put things. Anybody had garlic that's just rubbish this year :(

[shovetheholly]

Sounds like it might be leek rust, but it's the wrong time of year (could be an effect of the really mild winter though?)

This page has some background, and suggests pruning off the affected foliage then sterilising your secateurs. Means you won't get lovely big bulbs, but you might get something: goodlifepermaculture.com.au/garlic-rust/

[blackheartsgirl]

It does look like rust unfortunately. They really don't look well. I looked back at last year's garlic. I took photos and they looked so healthy compared to these and the bulbs were huge :( I wondered if it was the really mild damp winter too. I'll have a look at that page thank you

[shovetheholly]

It's awful when you get a disease romp in and carry off the lot. There's such a sense of disappointment about it. I don't think it's quite like any other kind of disappointment either. I always feel that I've slightly let the plants down, even though that's a ridiculous idea. It happens to everyone, though - even the best gardeners (whenever I feel bad, I think about the hilarious one-thing-after-another fracas that was Monty Don's grapes last year and it makes me feel better).

Do you rotate your beds? That can really be helpful.

[blackheartsgirl]

I try too, but with a tiny quarter plot it's can be very difficult. I did put these ones in a different bed this year. My broad beans looked diseased too and they were next to the garlic. Ah well . I know what you mean by feel g as if you've let the plants down but I suppose it's one of those things

[shovetheholly]

It is just one of those things and while it is a bit upsetting and heartbreaking, it does happen to all of us! My broad beans are rubbish this year too. It's been a challenging winter. Onwards and upwards. It's nearly time to plant out courgettes, just think about that!

[blackheartsgirl]

Knowing my luck they'll die too 😆pessimistic moi