How To Harvest Garlic With Foolproof Methods

Garlic can be harvested at various stages of maturity, depending on the size of bulbs you desire. If you are looking for smaller bulbs, you may opt to harvest them earlier, while larger bulbs require more time to develop. Keep in mind that garlic bulbs continue to grow until they are harvested, so leaving them in the ground longer generally results in larger bulbs.

As the bulbs mature, the lower leaves of the plant will start to turn yellow or brown and begin to die back. This is a natural process indicating that the bulbs are nearing maturity. In general, most garlic varieties are typically ready for harvest about 4 to 6 months after planting. This means you can expect to harvest them anywhere from 120 to 180 days after planting.

These are the key signs that your garlic is ready to be harvested:

• The leaves begin to turn yellow and brown from the bottom up, with about half of the leaves remaining green.
• The flower stalk (scape) has emerged and may have begun to curl at the tip.
• The bulbs feel firm and heavy when you gently dig around them.

Harvesting garlic is not an overly complicated process but you may need caution prevent any unintentional damage. Avoid pulling the bulbs too forcefully as it can harm the plant.

Be cautious not to bruise or puncture the cloves, which may lead to spoilage during storage. Additionally, refrain from leaving garlic bulbs in the ground for too long after they're matured as this can cause them to split or become overripe.

Now that you've learned what to avoid, let's find out the correct process of harvesting garlics.

• Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to dry, typically mid to late summer, depending on the variety.
• Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs using a garden fork to avoid damaging them.
• Carefully lift the bulbs out of the ground, keeping foliage intact.
• Hang the garlic in bundles or lay them out in a single layer in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks to cure.
• Once cured, trim the roots and cut back the foliage to about an inch above the bulb.
• Store cured garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation to prevent sprouting and prolong shelf life.
• Set aside the largest, healthiest bulbs for replanting in the next growing season.

Below, we have discussed each step for harvesting garlic in detail:

Once the leaves on your garlic begin to dry, refrain from watering the plants for about a week to ten days. This dry period helps the outer layers of the garlic bulbs to cure, making them easier to store. If the soil is excessively moist at the time of harvest, it can lead to issues like mold and rot during storage.

Stick your finger into the soil near the garlic plants to a depth of a few inches. The soil should feel relatively dry but still slightly moist. If the soil feels excessively wet or muddy, it's best to wait a few more days before harvesting to allow the soil to dry out further.

What You Will Need To Harvest

Make sure to harvest garlic when the bulbs are mature but not overripe. Overripe garlic may begin to split or rot, which can reduce its storage life. Proper timing and using the right tools will help ensure a successful garlic harvest.

• Garden fork or spade
• Knife or kitchen scissors
• Bucket or basket
• Hand trowel
• Gloves

As your garlic plants mature, it's important to closely monitor their progress. Look out for the telltale signs indicating they are ready for harvest, such as the lower 1-2 leaves turning yellow while the upper leaves remain green. This visual cue suggests that the bulbs have reached maturity and are ready to be harvested.

To confirm readiness, carefully dig up a sample plant to assess the bulb size and development. A mature garlic bulb should feel firm and have well-developed cloves. The cloves themselves should appear plump and remain intact, without separating from each other. If the bulb possesses these properties, you're good to proceed with harvesting.

Before grabbing your tools, take a moment to assess the condition of the soil. If the soil is dry, watering it lightly beforehand can make it easier to work with. However, avoid overwatering as excessively wet soil can be heavy and more difficult to manage. Choose a suitable tool for loosening the soil, such as a garden fork or trowel.

Begin loosening the soil around each garlic plant systematically. Insert the garden fork or trowel into the soil a few inches away from the base of the plant, taking care to maintain a gentle angle to avoid piercing the bulbs. Loosening the soil before harvesting makes it easier to lift the bulbs out without causing damage.

Garlic bulbs normally do not pull out easily from the ground like some other root vegetables such as radishes or carrots. When it is ready to harvest, the bulbs are usually firmly anchored in the soil by their roots. So, you should carefully loosen the soil around them with a garden fork before lifting the bulbs out.

Carefully dig each bulb from the ground by inserting a garden fork a few inches away from the base of the plant into the soil. Gently lift upwards to loosen the bulb, avoiding pulling directly on the stem to prevent damage.

Here are simple steps for digging garlic:

• Gently loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs with a garden fork or shovel.
• Lift the bulbs out of the ground, ensuring not to damage them.
• Shake off excess soil from the bulbs.
• Trim any remaining roots attached to the bulbs.
• Rinse the bulbs if necessary and set them aside for further use.

After harvesting, gently brush off any excess dirt from the bulbs, but avoid washing them as this can increase the risk of mold during the curing process. Once cleaned, lay the garlic bulbs out in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area, such as a garage or porch, to cure. Allow the bulbs to cure for 2-4 weeks, or until the outer skins are dry.

Dry and cure garlic using these steps and tips:

• Brush off excess soil from the bulbs and remove any remaining dirt by gently rinsing them with water.
• Allow bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation.
• Hang them in bundles or spread them out on a mesh rack to dry best.
• Let the garlic cure for 2 to 4 weeks until the outer skins become papery and the necks feel dry and firm.
• Once fully cured, trim the roots and cut back the tops if desired.
• Then, store the garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for long-term storage.

After the garlic dries, it's important to cut off the green parts and the roots. You can use scissors or a knife for this. First, cut off the top part where the green stem sticks out. Make sure to remove any parts that look dry or strange. Then, trim the roots at the bottom of the garlic, getting rid of any that are loose or damaged.

When you trim, try to leave about an inch of the green stem still attached to the garlic. This helps keep the garlic fresh when you store it. It stops too much moisture from getting in and prevents the garlic from going bad. Just be careful not to cut too close to the garlic, or the cloves might dry out or spoil.

Finally, store the trimmed and inspected garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. You can hang them in bundles, store them in mesh bags, or place them in well-ventilated baskets. Properly cured and stored garlic can last for several months, allowing you to enjoy your harvest well into the year.

Here's the best way to store garlic properly:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Aim for a temperature between 60° and 65°F, but don't worry if your home isn't exactly that precise. A pantry, cabinet, or well-ventilated basket on the counter (out of direct sunlight) are all good options.
• Allow for air circulation: Avoid storing garlic in airtight containers or plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to spoilage. Instead, use a mesh bag, paper bag, wire basket, or even a bowl.
• Separate from other produce: Garlic easily absorbs the odors and flavors of other vegetables and fruits. To prevent it from taking on unwanted tastes, it's best to store garlic separately from other produce. An airtight container or a designated section of the refrigerator can help maintain its distinct taste and aroma.