Garlic suggestions

Howdy all!

II would like to try to grow some garlic again this season and was wondering if anyone can recommend any particular variety that they love (especially to roast) and which does well in the PNW, zone 7b. A couple of seasons ago I planted a variety pack in a semi-circle around my herb garden, and it was my sincerest intention to keep track of which ones did best… Alas, my markers (and/or the garlic) must have played musical chairs because I ended up with a hodge-podge of a few good heads and a lot of moldy ones seemingly-completely randomly -- markers hiding sheepishly behind the thyme… Maybe it was the squirrels. In any case, what are your guys’ favorites?

Hi Kur - garlic is a crop I plant yearly. The squirrels are exceptionally adept at removing markers & replacing them wherever they deem appropriate.
I buy my garlic from the Grange in Issaquah ( turn left (East) on Gilman at the signal); they usually have several varieties. I was there a week ago & at that point they had about 10-12 types. Another great source is Territorial Seed in Oregon. I've ordered from them for years - really good people to deal with.
Back to Quirky Squirrel Behaviour: if you mark the rows with rocks (potato-sized) they won't move them. I plant it closely - about 3-4" apart, with rows about the same distance. Same for Shallots, which is another easy fall crop.

Thanks Katye :) I pass by the Grange everyday on my way to work... I had no idea it was an actual store!!! ;) Can't wait to check it out...

I have crows that once pulled up my garlic markers and tossed them in the path. It looked like a 2 year old had been through the garden. Now I use small rocks too, a row of 3 between each section of garlic. Crows and squirrels surely wouldn't replicate that arrangement. Some of my favorite varieties are Inchelium Red, Asian Tempest, and Armenian (that could be sentimental due to my ethnic background however). I got these varieties from Filaree Farm, but I think the Grange as Katye suggested is your best bet since lots of garlic growers will be sold out at this point in the season.

Cool, thanks Maury, I'll be on the lookout for those varieties.

I've decided to put the garlic in a well-defined dedicated row garden, so hopefully there won't be any funny business this time... =)