I tried growing garlic about 15 years ago and it didn't go especially well. I really haven't been all that interested in growing again it up until now.

I know I need to plant it in the fall. And I assume it needs fairly decent soil.

Now, what kind of garlic do I want for zone 4 where the winter temps get to -40º and the summer temps get to 100+???? DH doesn't really like garlic, so I need one with a mild flavor.

I've been doing some shopping online this morning and I'm more confused now than when I started. And I've noticed some seed bulbs are mighty expensive.

Any suggestions, tips, recommendations of where to order some?

Right now is the time to look at your local farmers market.What grows good locally, should grow good for u.
This saturday I found spanish Rojo. Earlier I found Chesnok red.
I usually plant about 100 cloves, right after Halloween.

Alocal feed and grain is probably good idea. No amount of organic certification is going to get you better healthier seed stock.

I grow stiff neck garlic which does batter here nestled at the bossom of cow-hampshire.

Tom, where do you buy your garlic and what varieties of stiff neck do you plant? (Being from cow-hampshire myself, I want to take advantage of your knowledge and experience!) Also when do you plant it?

I got mine (some years ago) from Sand Hill Preservation Project--is I think their full name.

I have posted an offer on the seed exchange...

I'd suggest looking for a local farm that will sell good seed stock that has been growing in your area successfully for some time.

If you are planning to save bulbs to replant, you may as well start with quality stock, proven for your area. Know the variety's name so you can know what you are growing from year to year.

I just ordered 4 pounds of organic garlic from the Maine Potato Lady for planting this fall.
1 pound each of Georgian Fire, Georgian Crystal and German Red and Polish Red.

The last one the only softneck in the group and may have originally been Polish White. (I mentioned buying locally. The website I ordered from mentions that in the local soils, this variety takes on a tint of purple-red on the outer skins, hence the renaming.)

Wayne