How to Harvest Garlic?

Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops to grow in your garden. It’s easy to plant, generally low-maintenance, and when the time comes, harvesting it feels like uncovering treasure! If you're new to gardening, you might be wondering when and how to harvest this flavourful gem. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to harvest garlic like a pro!

Why Timing Matters

Garlic plants take several months to mature, and knowing when to harvest is essential for getting the best taste and longest shelf life. Too early, and the cloves may be small and less flavourful. Too late, and the garlic bulbs can split open, which not only makes them look less appealing but also reduces their storage life.

Most garlic varieties take around 8-9 months to mature, depending on your growing conditions and local climate. A good rule of thumb is that garlic planted in autumn is usually ready by early summer.

Signs That Garlic is Ready to Harvest

To decide if your garlic is ready to be harvested, keep an eye on these indicators:

1. Yellowing Leaves: Garlic leaves naturally start to yellow and die back as the bulbs mature. When about half to two-thirds of the leaves have turned yellow or brown, it’s generally a good sign that your garlic is nearly ready.

2. Soil Check: You can carefully brush away the soil around one or two bulbs to see how big they are. If the bulb is plump and the cloves are well-defined under the outer skin, it’s ready!

4. The stems have flopped over: If the garlic stems have flopped over, then the nutrients will no longe be able to flow to the bulb. There is no benefit of keeping the garlic in the ground if they have flopped over.

3. Weather Considerations: If heavy rain is forecasted, it’s best to harvest just before. Wet soil can make harvesting messy, and wet bulbs are more prone to rot if not properly dried.

How to Harvest Garlic

Follow these steps to harvest your garlic with minimal damage to the bulbs.

DO NOT PULL THE STEMS!

Garlic has surprisingly excellent roots, and the stems become fragile. If you pull the garlic you are at risk of breaking the stems. Garlic with broken stems will not store well.

1. Use a Garden Fork (or Spade): Instead of pulling the garlic straight out of the ground by the stems, gently loosen the soil around each bulb. Use a garden fork or small spade, keeping about 6 inches /15 cms away from the bulb to avoid damaging it.

** No dig method: My preferred method is to use an old knife and cut the roots, keeping the blade about 2 inches / 5 cms away from the bulb.

2. Lift Gently: Once the soil is loose, carefully lift the bulbs out of the ground. Garlic can be surprisingly delicate, so avoid scraping or squeezing the bulbs too hard. Any bulbs damaged in this process will not keep and will need to be used first.

3. Brush off Excess Soil: Gently shake off any loose soil. Don’t wash the garlic with water at this stage, as moisture can make it difficult to cure and store properly.

** Alternatively remove several layers of the dried leaves to expose a clean layer on the bulb. I also like to remove the roots at this stage as they are easier to cut off, and it removes the remaining dirt off the bulb.

Curing Garlic for Long-Term Storage

To enjoy your garlic for months, proper curing is essential. Curing simply means allowing the garlic to dry out so that it can store well without sprouting or rotting. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Dry, Shady Spot: Find a place that’s well-ventilated, shaded, and out of direct sunlight. A garage, covered patio, or shed works well.

2. Bundle and Hang or Lay Out to Dry: You can bundle garlic in groups of 5-10 bulbs and hang them up with the stems intact. Many people plait them together, this is an opportunity to get creative, but it not necessary. Alternatively, you can lay the bulbs out on a drying rack or mesh screen, leaving enough space between them for good air circulation.

3. Wait 2-4 Weeks: Curing usually takes about 2-4 weeks, depending on humidity levels. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins are papery and the stems and roots are completely dry.

Storing Your Garlic

Once cured, you can trim the stems and roots for easier storage. Keep the outer skin intact for protection, as peeling it back can expose cloves and shorten their shelf life.

Best Places for Storage:

- Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Ideal conditions are around 60°F (15°C) with moderate humidity.

- Avoid storing garlic in the fridge, as the cold temperature can prompt sprouting.

- Keep it out of direct sunlight, as warmth and light can also encourage sprouting.

When stored properly, cured garlic can last for 6-9 months, so you’ll have plenty of fresh cloves to cook with throughout the year!

Tip: Garlic cloves also freeze well. I like to peel them and pop them in a ziplock bag in bulk, then just pull out what you need and chop - no need to defrost.

Common Questions About Garlic Harvesting

1. Can I eat garlic immediately after harvesting?

Absolutely! Fresh garlic has a milder, more nuanced flavour and is delicious in all kinds of dishes. Just know that it is best used within a few weeks if you skip the curing process.

2. What if I accidentally harvest too early?

If you find yourself with bulbs that are small or slightly underdeveloped, don’t worry! These young garlic bulbs still taste great and can be used just like mature garlic. Just keep in mind they might not store as long, so use them sooner rather than later.

3. Why did my garlic bulbs split?

This usually happens if garlic is left in the ground a bit too long. While split bulbs won’t store as well, they’re perfectly fine to use immediately in cooking.

Final Thoughts on Harvesting Garlic

Harvesting garlic is an incredibly satisfying moment in any gardener's journey. Following these steps will help ensure that your garlic crop is flavourful, long-lasting, and perfect for cooking. Just remember: garlic-growing is a patient process, so trust the signs, and enjoy the harvest!

Happy gardening, and may your garlic grow large, abundant!