To harvest garlic, wait until about 3-4 weeks after harvesting the garlic scapes, when the garlic plants start to die back from the bottom and the leaves begin to yellow. The ideal time to harvest is when there are about 4-5 green leaves remaining on the plant, or when approximately 50% of the leaves have dried and turned brown. At this stage, the garlic bulbs will be mature and have fully developed cloves.
Steps to Harvest Garlic
- Loosen the soil around the bulb : Use a garden fork, trowel, or your hands to gently loosen the soil near the base of the garlic plant without damaging the bulb.
- Pull the garlic bulb out : Firmly but gently pull the garlic by its stem from the ground. If soil is compacted, use a tool to help loosen it first.
- Do not wash the bulb : Knock off loose dirt but avoid washing the garlic to keep it dry, which is important for storage.
- Handle bulbs carefully : Garlic bulbs can be fragile at this stage; avoid bruising or breaking the stems.
Additional Tips
- Harvest on a dry day to prevent disease and decay.
- After harvesting, allow the garlic to cure by drying it in a well-ventilated, shady spot for 2-4 weeks.
- During curing, hang or lay the garlic with tops and roots intact, then trim and clean for storage.
This method ensures garlic is harvested at peak maturity for best flavor, size, and storage longevity.
