Garlic is one of the essential ingredients used in cooking, known for its strong flavor and numerous health benefits. In addition, garlic is considered an easy crop to grow and harvest. Continue reading this article to learn everything you need to know about the best time and method for harvesting garlic.
When Is Garlic Harvest Time?
Unlike many vegetables that are planted in spring and harvested in autumn, garlic is usually planted in autumn and harvested from late spring to mid-summer, specifically from late June through August. Garlic is a crop that requires time to fully mature, and it is worth noting that harvest time may vary depending on the variety.
It is important to determine the correct harvest time, as harvesting garlic too early results in small cloves that do not store well, while leaving bulbs in the ground for too long may cause the cloves to separate, making them more vulnerable to diseases and reducing their storage life.
How Do You Know When Garlic Is Ready to Harvest?
There are clear signs that indicate garlic is ready for harvest. These can be identified by following the steps below:
- The easiest way to determine garlic harvest time is by checking the leaves. When about one-third of the leaves turn brown, it is time to examine the bulbs to see if they have reached the proper size.
- Gently remove the soil from around one or two bulbs without pulling them out of the ground and observe their size.
- If the bulbs are large enough, the garlic is ready for harvest. If they are still very small, the garlic needs more time to mature.
Note: Garlic can be harvested—regardless of bulb size—once half to two-thirds of the leaves have turned brown. Delaying harvest until all the leaves are completely brown may result in bulbs that are no longer suitable for consumption.
How to Harvest Garlic
Below are the steps for harvesting garlic properly:
- Once the garlic leaves begin to droop, stop watering the plants and wait for the appropriate harvest time. Some experts suggest harvesting when 3–4 leaves have wilted, while 5–6 green leaves remain.
- Allow the soil to dry, then carefully loosen the soil and gently lift the garlic bulbs without cutting or breaking them.
- Garlic must be cured (dried) before storage. Begin by removing excess soil by hand, leaving the stems and roots attached. Avoid washing or soaking the bulbs in water.
- Bundle 8–10 garlic stems together, tie them with string, and hang them in a cool, dark place. Allow the bulbs to dry for 3–4 weeks, keeping them away from direct sunlight, which may alter the flavor of fresh garlic.
- Once the leaves and roots are fully dry, trim them and separate the garlic cloves.
Note: Do not pull garlic out of the ground as you would onions. Garlic has a strong root system, and pulling it forcefully may cause the stems to break off from the bulbs.
