Harvesting and Storing Garlic

Photo by CarbonNYC

You are proud to have grown a great garlic. Now that midsummer approaches, you want to know when and how to properly harvest it. How to prepare and store, so that you will be able to use collected cloves for months? Wonder no more, I'll explain here all you should know step by step.

Harvesting Garlic

In July, stop watering your garlic. This will help the bulbs to properly mature. When should you harvest? Generally, in July to mid August, depending on the plant's variety. Catching the exact moment is a bit tricky. You want the bulbs fully developed, but stil containing wrapper layers, which would just start to disappear. Leaves start to wither from the bottom up. When 1/3 to 1/2 of them is dry, that signals that plants are ready to pick up.

First, remove only a few of the plants to check if they are ready. Don't use the shovel, as you could accidentaly cut through some of the bulbs. They would be still edible, of course, but would not store well. I suggest using the fork. Gently move the soil and retrieve the plants. Never pull them out, but dig. Now, clean any attached soil from your bulbs. Handle them carefully, as any damage will decrease the quality and shorten possible storage time.

Storing Garlic

If you plan to braid your bulbs, make sure to plait them after shortening the roots, while the leaves are still elastic. Otherwise, leave for 3-4 weeks to let them dry. Then, if not braided, cut off the roots and stems. Keep loose bulbs in a mesh bag, basket or open dish. Store in a cool, dark place. You may keep the plait you use in the kitchen. Other ones must be stored in a right conditions, to avoid sprouting.

If you want to save some cloves for planting, set aside a few best bulbs. Store them in a cool, but moist place to avoid drying them out. Garlic storing is easy. Bulbs can be kept for 6 months to a year.