Are Country Creek’s best garlic bulbs 3 Pack California Garlic worth it? Detailed review!

Description

My Experience with Planting Garlic Bulbs

I’ve been dabbling in home gardening for a while now, and garlic has become one of my favorite crops to grow. The recent garlic bulbs I tried for planting were a mix of large, medium, and small sizes, as advertised. At first glance, the bulbs looked promising, with their firm texture and healthy outer layers. I decided to test them in my raised garden bed and a few containers to see how they would perform under different conditions.

Features and Options Explored

The garlic bulbs are a softneck type, which makes them easier to braid if you’re into that sort of thing. I followed the planting instructions carefully, spacing the cloves about 4 inches apart in the same row and keeping rows 36 inches apart. The recommended planting depth of 1-2 inches was straightforward, and I used well-worked loam soil with moderate watering. Since these bulbs thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2-10, they were a good fit for the climate in my area.

What I appreciated most was their adaptability. You can plant them in early fall for a spring harvest or even in spring for a summer harvest. I opted for the fall planting to give them a proper cold snap, which helps with bulb development. The bulbs sprouted much faster than I expected—some showed green shoots within a week of planting. That was surprising and satisfying, especially since I’d forgotten to water them for a few days (oops).

Pros

• Quick Sprouting: These garlic bulbs sprouted impressively fast, some within a day or two of planting.
• Versatility in Planting Times: Whether you want to plant them in fall or spring, they adapt well to different schedules.
• Good Yield Potential: Each clove has the potential to grow into a full bulb, which means a small investment could give you a significant garlic harvest.
• Effective Pest Control: I planted garlic alongside my tomato and herb plants, and it noticeably reduced the number of bugs in those areas.
• Easy to Grow: Even with minimal care—like forgetting to water for a few days—the bulbs still sprouted strong and healthy.

Cons

• Inconsistent Bulb Size: The size of the bulbs in the pack varied, which may not be ideal for someone looking for uniformity.
• Rot Issues: One of the bulbs I received had black spots on the cloves, and a few cloves rotted in the ground.
• Sensitive to Overwatering: If the soil doesn’t drain well, these bulbs may rot, as I learned from planting a few in a poorly draining spot.
• No Guarantee of Success: Unlike grocery store garlic, which some people claim grows just as well, these bulbs didn’t always outperform cheaper options.
• Packaging Could Be Better: The bulbs arrived in a basic package without much protection, which might have contributed to some damage.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to store-bought garlic bulbs, this product has its perks but also its downsides. Grocery store garlic is cheaper and often performs similarly if planted correctly. However, these bulbs are specifically meant for planting, which theoretically gives them an edge in terms of yield and viability.

Against other brands of planting garlic, this product holds its own in terms of sprouting speed and adaptability. Some competitors offer more consistent bulb sizes and better packaging, which might appeal to perfectionists. On the other hand, the quick sprouting and resilience of these bulbs in less-than-ideal conditions make them a strong contender.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

The price point for these garlic bulbs is reasonable, especially considering the potential yield. If you’re looking to grow a significant amount of garlic, this product offers good value. However, the inconsistent bulb size and occasional issues with rot might make some gardeners hesitant. For those on a budget, experimenting with grocery store garlic could be a viable alternative. That said, for dedicated gardeners who value quality and quick results, these bulbs are worth the investment.

Additional information