When and How to Harvest Garlic: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Garlic is a versatile and flavorful bulb that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. If you’re growing your own garlic, knowing when and how to harvest it is essential for getting the best possible yield.
When to Harvest Garlic
The best time to harvest garlic depends on the variety you’re growing and your climate. In general, garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves start to turn brown and die back. About one-third of the leaves should be brown before you start testing the bulbs.
To test the bulbs, carefully dig up one or two plants. If the bulbs are plump and the cloves are firm, it’s time to harvest the rest of your garlic. If the bulbs are still small or the cloves are soft, give them a bit more time to grow.
How to Harvest Garlic
Once you’ve determined that your garlic is ready to harvest, it’s time to dig it up. Here are the steps to follow:
- Dig, don’t pull. When harvesting garlic, it’s important to dig it out of the ground rather than pulling it out. Pulling can damage the bulbs and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Be gentle. Freshly dug garlic bulbs are delicate and can easily be bruised. Handle them with care and place them in a container where they won’t get jostled around.
- Get the garlic out of the sun. Garlic will blanch and burn in the sun. As soon as you’ve dug up the bulbs, move them to a dark, dry place.
Storing Garlic
Once you’ve harvested your garlic, it’s important to store it properly to extend its shelf life. Here are a few tips:
- Cure the garlic. Curing is a process of drying the garlic bulbs to remove excess moisture. To cure garlic, hang the bulbs in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.
- Store the garlic in a cool, dark place. The ideal storage temperature for garlic is between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit. A root cellar or basement is a good place to store garlic.
- Keep the garlic dry. Garlic should be stored in a dry place to prevent mold and rot.
Growing Garlic
If you’re interested in growing your own garlic, here are a few tips:
- Choose the right variety. There are many different varieties of garlic, so it’s important to choose one that’s well-suited to your climate.
- Plant garlic in the fall. Garlic is a cool-season crop that should be planted in the fall. The cloves should be planted about 6 inches deep and 4 inches apart.
- Water garlic regularly. Garlic needs about 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilize garlic. Garlic benefits from being fertilized with a balanced fertilizer.
- Harvest garlic when the leaves start to turn brown.
Troubleshooting Garlic Problems
If you’re having problems growing garlic, here are a few common issues to look for:
- Bolting. Bolting is a condition that occurs when garlic plants send up a flower stalk. Bolting can cause the bulbs to be smaller and less flavorful. To prevent bolting, plant garlic in the fall and keep it well-watered.
- Diseases. Garlic is susceptible to a few different diseases, including white rot, neck rot, and fusarium wilt. To prevent diseases, practice good garden hygiene and rotate your garlic crop each year.
- Pests. Garlic can be attacked by a variety of pests, including aphids, thrips, and nematodes. To control pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Growing and harvesting garlic is a rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you get the best possible yield of flavorful, healthy garlic.
