The University of Minnesota has a publication online that has everything you need to know about growing garlic in Minnesota (zones 3 - 4b) - and more. It was written for commercial growers. In that publication (link below), it states, "Time of planting is critical since both optimum shoot and bulb development require a cold treatment. Garlic in Minnesota should be planted in the fall - usually within one to two weeks after the first killing frost (32 degrees F). In northern Minnesota, planting during the third to fourth week of September is recommended, while in southern Minnesota planting around the first or second week of October is recommended." There is also a section on when and how to remove the scapes (flower stalks), along with photos. Note that the leaves are flat and straplike, while the scapes are round in diameter and stiffer than the leaves. I'm sure you won't confuse them again next year. Read Growing Garlic to find out more about growing garlic in Minnesota.

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