Determining how to harvest and store garlic is an art that not so many people have perfected. If you want to harvest your garlic it is important to know the variety that you have, your location, and growing conditions. After harvesting, there comes storing. Garlic requires that you store them in a cool place, with good air circulation and not exposed to light.
Sadly, though, some people do not know how to harvest and store their garlic. As a result, their garlic ends up being damaged. However, this can be corrected by simply following some important steps of harvesting and storing garlic.
How to harvest Garlic
You will know it’s time to harvest garlic when the leaves turn brown. This takes place between July and August depending on the weather. The process below highlights the process of harvesting garlic.
- Using a garden fork or a hand trowel, loosen the soil under and around the roots of the garlic.
- Give room for up to 6 inches of space from the stem of the plant. While doing this take much caution to avoid damaging the bulbs. Damaging the bulbs through bruises and cuts will impact negatively how long your harvest will last.
- When you are done with soil loosening, gently hold the neck of the plant near the bulb and carefully remove it from the soil.
- If the bulbs are not coming out with ease, place your fingers at the base of the bulb and gently lift it to loosen the roots. You should not use much force on the leaves if the bulbs are not coming out will ease.
- Brush off the soil on the bulb, while keeping tunics intact. Doing this will allow the soil that sticks on the tunic to dry and will easily come out after curing.
- Keep the roots very close to the base of the bulb in preparation for the next stage of curing and storage.
- Never attempt to wash the bulbs. Doing so will keep moisture in the tunic and eventually lead to rot.
How to Store Garlic
After a good harvest, it is supremely important to store your garlic properly. After curing your garlic for about 2 weeks to allow them dry. Follow these steps to store the garlic properly.
- Cut the tops of the bulbs to around 1 to 2 inches and trim the roots to a quarter of an inch.
- Store the bulbs in a dark, dry and cool place (40 degrees Fahrenheit). Don store garlic in a humid place.
- Drying garlic increases its flavor. It is best to save your best-formed bulbs so that you can use them for the next planting season.
Conclusion
Harvesting and storing garlic is very easy if the steps involved are carefully executed.
FAQS
When should I harvest my Garlic?
Garlic is ready to be harvested in May and July. Depending on the growing conditions, location and variety.
Can I store garlic in a refrigerator?
No. you should not store garlic in the refrigerator since this may bring about fungal infections or even rot.