Growing garlic is easy, but many people wonder when to harvest and how to store garlic. I share my tips in this article.
Garlic is a popular vegetable that is easy to grow and has a long storage life, making it a staple in many gardens. Learning how to properly harvest and store garlic will ensure you have a supply that lasts through the winter months.
When to Harvest
Garlic is ready to harvest in mid to late summer, usually June or July. The exact timing depends on when you planted it and the variety. Here are signs your garlic is ready to harvest
- The bottom 2-4 leaves on the plant start to brown and die back. About half the leaves will look yellowed or dried.
- Check bulbs by digging up a few – if the papery skins cover plump, segmented cloves, it’s time to harvest.
- Stop watering plants 1-2 weeks before harvest time so bulbs cure in drier soil.
Dig too early and bulbs will be smaller Leave too long and cloves can separate and be exposed to disease Aim for when 5-6 green leaves remain, Hardneck varieties are often ready before softnecks,
How to Dig Up Bulbs
Use care when digging bulbs to avoid bruising or cutting them. Steps:
- Loosen soil with garden fork, staying a few inches away from bulbs.
- Gently lift bulbs with roots intact and shake off excess dirt.
- Leave stems and roots on for now. Damaged bulbs won’t store well – use immediately.
Curing Garlic
Curing garlic for 2-4 weeks improves storage life, Steps for curing
- Dry bulbs out of sun in warm, well-ventilated spot.
- Can bundle 8-10 plants by stems and hang to dry or lay flat in single layer.
- Once roots and stems dried, trim them off and clean outer papery skins.
- Leave skins on cloves intact – don’t expose cloves fully.
Well-cured bulbs will feel dry and papery. If stems still show green when cut, cure longer.
Storing Garlic
Follow these tips for storing garlic bulbs after curing:
- Keep at 32-40°F in dark spot with good airflow.
- Store in mesh bags or braid softneck varieties.
- Don’t store in bright kitchen – light hurts flavor.
- Check periodically for sprouting or rotting.
- Softnecks store about 8 months, hardnecks 3-6 months.
- Save largest, healthiest bulbs for replanting.
Proper harvesting and curing improves garlic’s storage life. With the right conditions, homegrown garlic can last through winter until next year’s crop is ready. Paying attention to garlic’s signals for when it’s mature allows maximizing the bulb size. A gentle digging and gradual curing process maintains quality. Follow these tips for harvest and storage success!
Extra Harvesting Tips
- Harvest garlic on a sunny day if possible.
- Use garden scissors or pruners to trim roots and stems.
- Set damaged bulbs aside for quick use – they won’t store as long.
- Brush off dirt but don’t wash bulbs until ready to use.
- Softnecks are great for braiding.
- Hardnecks may produce a secondary crop of scapes you can also harvest!
What Happens if Harvested Too Early?
Garlic needs time to fully develop. Bulbs harvested too early will be smaller and the papery covering too thin. Immature garlic doesn’t store as long but is still usable. If unsure, dig up a test bulb to check maturity.
Do You Have to Cure Garlic Before Eating?
Luckily, no curing is required before enjoying the freshest garlic flavor! Garlic can be eaten immediately after harvesting. Curing simply improves the storage potential.
How Long Does Harvested Garlic Last?
With proper curing and storage conditions, garlic can last 3-8 months or longer after harvesting. Softneck varieties tend to store a month or two longer than hardnecks. Check periodically for any bulbs sprouting or going bad.
Growing your own garlic is very rewarding. Pay close attention as bulbs mature to optimize harvest timing. A gentle curing and diligent storage will reward you with homegrown garlic that lasts all winter long!
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When to Harvest Garlic
For crops that grow underground, it can be hard to know when to harvest them. Luckily, garlic gives us a clue. When the bottom 3-4 leaves of the plant have died, it’s ready to be harvested. In my USDA hardiness zone 6b garden, my harvest window is anywhere between late May to early July.
Not sure when to plant garlic? My fall planting guide can help!
The ideal time to harvest is 3-5 days after a rain. That’s because the drier the bulb is, the better it will cure and the longer it will store.
Lift the bulbs gently with a digging fork to prevent damage.
When I harvest my garlic, I make garlic powder from last year’s leftover garlic.
Would you like to yield delicious harvests while partnering with nature? Check out my mini guide, The Permaculture Inspired Vegetable Garden.
Bonus: Make Garlic Mulch
Cut the stems into 3-5 inch pieces and use as mulch around pest-prone plants. Pests are repelled by the garlic scent.
When to Harvest Garlic + a unique tip for curing and storage
FAQ
How do you store fresh garlic after harvesting?
Garlic is best-stored long-term when kept at a temperature between 35°F and 55°F in an environment with 40 percent to 60 percent humidity.
How long do you let garlic dry after picking?
Alternatively, the plants can be tied into bundles of ten and hung with the roots down and leaves pointing up. After several weeks of drying, the leaves and roots can be trimmed. In dry regions, the garlic should be fully dried and cured after three to four weeks.
What is the best way to preserve fresh garlic?
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Room Temperature Storage:Whole, unpeeled garlic heads can last for 3-5 months when stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
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Freezing:Freeze whole, peeled, or minced garlic. To freeze garlic paste, spread it thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze it overnight, then cut it into portions and store it in a freezer-safe bag.
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Vinegar Preservation:Place peeled garlic cloves in a jar, cover with vinegar, and store in the refrigerator. This method helps preserve the garlic and also infuses it with flavor.
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Salting:Layer peeled garlic cloves with salt in a jar and store in the refrigerator for long-term preservation.
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Garlic in Oil:While garlic can be preserved in oil, the USDA warns that it should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days due to the risk of botulism. Freezing garlic in oil can be a safer alternative.
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This French method involves slowly cooking garlic cloves in oil, making them tender and suitable for long-term storage.
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Refrigeration:Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator for long periods, as it can cause sprouting. If you need to refrigerate peeled or cut garlic, store it in an airtight container.
What happens if I leave my garlic in the ground too long?
A: If you don’t harvest early enough after planting garlic, the bulbs become over-matured in the ground and split. This makes them inedible.