Garlic bulbs are usually ready for harvest from late June through early July. When about half of the leaves have turned yellow, the bulbs can be gently dug up. Waiting too long to harvest can result in the skins splitting and exposing the cloves to the soil. Harvesting too soon will result in immature cloves.
It is best to use a broad-fork to loosen the soil and unearth the bulbs due to the strong root system of garlic. Throughout the harvesting process be careful not to bruise the bulbs. Leave the roots and leaves intact for the curing process. Tie the bulbs by their leaves in groups of ten and hang in a warm, dry and well-ventilated area for several weeks. Once the curing is done cut the stems and roots to about one-half inch from the bulb. If the bulbs are dirty, remove the outer layer of skin using caution to not expose the cloves. Store the cured bulbs in a cool, dry location. The shelf-life for garlic bulbs is dependent on variety as well as storage conditions but plan on using the garlic within the year. (Cynthia Domenghini)
It is best to use a broad-fork to loosen the soil and unearth the bulbs due to the strong root system of garlic. Throughout the harvesting process be careful not to bruise the bulbs. Leave the roots and leaves intact for the curing process. Tie the bulbs by their leaves in groups of ten and hang in a warm, dry and well-ventilated area for several weeks. Once the curing is done cut the stems and roots to about one-half inch from the bulb. If the bulbs are dirty, remove the outer layer of skin using caution to not expose the cloves. Store the cured bulbs in a cool, dry location. The shelf-life for garlic bulbs is dependent on variety as well as storage conditions but plan on using the garlic within the year. (Cynthia Domenghini)
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