I tried garlic for the first time this year, but didn't know it needed to be planted so early. I planted in late February - in rain soaked Shropshire. The ground is heavy and claggy and turns to "cracked concrete" when dry, but I've manured it well for 3 years running, so getting better. I raise my beds about 9 or 10 inches to improve drainage and to give more depth as we hit rock before long. The garlic has grown OK and now started to wilt and change colour, but when I yanked one out of the ground (sorry - hadn't read the article then - now I know better) it was quite small. I'll give them a bit longer and see if the return of summer will help.
If the bulbs are a bit stunted would they be no good for reseeding next year?
It's quite expensive to buy bulbs for planting, even with allotment holders discount.
I've just found this site and think it's great.