Hardneck vs. Softneck, That is the Question.

I have been growing garlic for 10 years and, until this year, grew hardneck garlic, German White or another variety.  This is a good, solid garlic and is really two crops in one. In late May or early June in our area (zone 7a) hardneck garlic produces flower stalks called scapes, that should be removed to direct energy to the bulb... and  are delicious.  Ooh, simple saute in olive oil over pasta, yum!
The only problem is that softneck garlics (the kind you can braid) are better keepers. Spoiled garlic is not only sad, but stinky. So I switched (mostly) to the softnecks Inchelium Red and Lorz Italian softneck garlic..and save and grow a little German White hardneck for a few scapes.
Once the leaves begin to yellow in late May, or early June, dig one up to check (and eat the young garlic!). After harvest, lay the bulbs in the sun to cure for two weeks, rotating once. When the paper has completely dried, they are ready to store, I keep them in darkened pantry, in layers of newspaper.  Enjoy!
Garlic planting season is approaching. It is planted in Sept/Oct and harvested in June.  It may sprout early, but needs cool, winter temps to form bulbs.