I am a first time grower of garlic and would like to know how to get started.
This collection of articles will give you all of the information that you need to know!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/edible/herbs/garlic
I dug up the bulbs today, most were "slimey, sort of snotty looking" excuse the description, wet and very soft. Some just disappeared into the ground. I did find little red pinhead sized bumps on 1 piece. Planted in Oct. outside. This is April 20.
It sounds like they remained too wet and rotted. Try starting them indoors until they are established, and moving them out after next year. This will help in areas that remain too wet for too long.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic.htm
I have raised planters and only planted 1/2 of the area with garlic. What can I plant next to them?
We have a planting guide that I believe you will find useful!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/companion-vegetable-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic.htm
the same to the green/ spring onions. For me, they are different. Is that true?
Technically speaking, Allium sativum is a garlic. It is part of the onion family, but is classified as garlic.
This article will offer more information on garlics:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/different-types-of-garlic.htm
I live in Wisconsin and am wondering when to plant and harvest garlic? Also, how to I go about storing the garlic once harvested and would garlic do well in a pot
You will want to plant these in mid October, and leave them outside to receive cold weather. In spring you should see some action. This article will help you to grow garlic in a container:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
my garlic bed such as winter rye, etc. that will grow this summer and I can till back into the soil before I plant my garlic this fall? thanks!!
I would recommend any legume, such as peas, beans, peanuts, or anything that helps put nitrogen back into the soil, actively. This is the fasted way to prepare your soil for planting using other plants. Not only do they actively put in atmospheric nitrogen though root nodules, but they will also contribute once tilled in as well, passively.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/nitrogen-nodules-and-nitrogen-fixing-plants.htm
Can I use Neem Oil as a fungicide against white rot in my garlic and other types of onion - if so when/how is best.
There is little that can be done to thwart fungus in garlic. Here also are tips for fungal infections in onions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/common-garlic-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/treating-onion-fusarium-rot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/controlling-downy-mildew-on-onions.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/onion/managing-mushy-rot-in-onions.htm