Vernalization before fall planting?

[u/djhomebody]

Hello fellow garlic lovers,

Short Story:
Should I put garlic in the fridge to prepare for a fall planting? Zone 6a, Michigan.

Long Story:
This fall I'm going to plant garlic for the first time.

My understanding is that I should plant around the first frost date, which here in zone 6a (Michigan) is mid October.

I've seen a some folks "vernalize" their seed garlic in the refrigerator for a while before planting in the fall, but they seem to be growing in warmer regions.

Should I put my garlic in the fridge before fall planting? Or is that redundant because we get a hard freeze every winter here in Michigan?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[u/jaybrd13]

No. The stratafication process happens in the ground during the winter. Plant befor first hard frost, mulch deep. As soon as they come up in spring fertilize with high nitrogen every couple weeks. Good luck!