When To Pick Garlic From The Garden? A Guide to Perfect Timing
The ideal time to harvest garlic is when the lower leaves begin to yellow and brown, typically in mid-summer around July or August, signaling the bulb is reaching maturity.
Garlic Growing Background: A Culinary Staple
Garlic, scientifically Allium sativum, is a culinary staple and a relatively easy crop to grow, making it a popular choice for home gardeners. Originating in Central Asia, garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years, prized for its distinctive flavor and purported health benefits. Understanding its growth cycle is crucial for knowing exactly when to harvest for optimal taste and storage. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck varieties produce a flowering stalk called a scape, while softneck varieties typically do not in warmer climates. Both types offer delicious bulbs, but the timing and indicators for harvest differ slightly.
Benefits of Homegrown Garlic
Growing your own garlic offers several advantages over purchasing it from the store:
- Superior Flavor: Homegrown garlic often has a more intense and nuanced flavor.
- Guaranteed Freshness: You control the entire growing process, ensuring optimal freshness at harvest.
- Variety Selection: You can choose from a wider range of garlic varieties than typically available in stores.
- Pest Control: Knowing the source allows you to avoid garlic treated with unnecessary chemicals.
- Cost Savings: Over time, growing your own garlic can be more economical.
The Visual Clues: Knowing When to Harvest
The key to knowing when to harvest garlic lies in observing the plant’s foliage. As the bulb matures underground, the leaves above ground will begin to change.
- Leaf Yellowing: The most reliable indicator is the yellowing and browning of the lower leaves. Aim to harvest when approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves have turned brown.
- Stalk Appearance: With hardneck varieties, the scape should be harvested (if you haven’t already) before it begins to straighten out. Leaving the scape on the plant too long will divert energy away from bulb development.
Harvesting too early will result in smaller, less flavorful bulbs that don’t store well. Harvesting too late can cause the bulb to split apart in the ground, making it less suitable for long-term storage and more susceptible to disease.
The Harvesting Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide to harvesting your garlic:
- Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork to carefully loosen the soil around the garlic plants, being careful not to damage the bulbs.
- Gently Lift: Grasp the stalk near the base and gently lift the garlic bulb from the ground. Avoid pulling too hard, as this can break the stalk from the bulb.
- Clean the Bulbs: Brush off any excess soil from the bulbs, but do not wash them. Washing can promote rot during curing.
- Cure the Garlic: Cure the garlic in a well-ventilated, dry location out of direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks. Hang the plants upside down in bundles of 5-10 or lay them on screens or racks.
- Trim the Stalks and Roots: Once the garlic is cured, trim the stalks to about 1-2 inches above the bulb and trim the roots.
- Store Properly: Store the cured garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place. Braiding softneck garlic is a popular storage method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Harvesting Too Early: This results in small, underdeveloped bulbs.
- Harvesting Too Late: This can cause the bulb to split and become susceptible to disease.
- Damaging the Bulbs During Harvest: Be gentle when loosening the soil and lifting the plants.
- Washing the Bulbs Before Curing: This promotes rot.
- Curing in Direct Sunlight: This can cause the bulbs to dry out too quickly.
- Storing in a Humid Environment: This can lead to mold and spoilage.
Comparing Hardneck and Softneck Garlic Harvest Times
| Feature | Hardneck Garlic | Softneck Garlic |
|---|---|---|
| Scape | Produces a scape | Generally doesn’t produce a scape |
| Leaf Yellowing | Earlier, more distinct | Can be less pronounced |
| Harvest Window | Shorter harvest window | Longer harvest window |
| Storage | Shorter storage life, 4-6 months | Longer storage life, 6-12 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I harvest my garlic too early?
Harvesting garlic too early will result in smaller, underdeveloped bulbs that lack the intense flavor of mature garlic. These bulbs will also have shorter storage lives and may shrivel or sprout prematurely.
What happens if I harvest my garlic too late?
If you wait too long to harvest, the bulb may split apart in the ground, making it difficult to store. The cloves can also become loose and the outer wrappers may begin to disintegrate, making the garlic more susceptible to disease and pests.
Can I leave garlic in the ground over winter?
While garlic is planted in the fall for a summer harvest, leaving mature bulbs in the ground over the winter is not recommended. The bulbs will likely rot or sprout prematurely, rendering them unusable.
How do I cure garlic properly?
Curing garlic requires a well-ventilated, dry, and shaded location. Hang the plants upside down in bundles or lay them on screens. Proper curing allows the outer wrappers to dry and tighten, protecting the cloves and extending their storage life.
Where is the best place to store garlic after it’s cured?
Store cured garlic in a cool, dry, and dark place. A pantry or cellar is ideal. Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause it to sprout.
How long will homegrown garlic last in storage?
The storage life of homegrown garlic depends on the variety. Hardneck garlic typically lasts for 4-6 months, while softneck garlic can last for 6-12 months when stored properly.
What if my garlic develops mold during curing or storage?
If you notice mold on your garlic, discard the affected bulbs immediately to prevent the spread of mold to other bulbs. Ensure proper ventilation during curing and storage to minimize the risk of mold.
Does the type of soil affect when I should harvest my garlic?
Yes, soil type can influence the timing. Garlic grown in heavy clay soil may mature slightly later than garlic grown in well-draining soil. Monitor the leaf yellowing closely, regardless of soil type.
Is it okay to eat garlic scapes?
Yes! Garlic scapes are delicious and can be harvested before the garlic bulb matures. They have a milder garlic flavor and can be used in stir-fries, pesto, or grilled. Removing the scape also allows the plant to focus its energy on bulb development.
Why are my garlic bulbs so small?
Small garlic bulbs can be caused by several factors, including poor soil fertility, insufficient watering, competition from weeds, or harvesting too early. Ensure your garlic receives adequate nutrients, water, and weed control.
Can I plant the cloves from my harvested garlic for next year’s crop?
Absolutely! Saving the largest and healthiest cloves from your harvest to plant in the fall is a great way to propagate your own garlic and maintain a consistent supply.
What are some good companion plants for garlic?
Garlic is a beneficial companion plant for many garden vegetables. It is believed to deter pests such as aphids and cabbage moths. Good companion plants for garlic include tomatoes, carrots, beets, and lettuce. Avoid planting garlic near peas and beans, as they can inhibit each other’s growth.