When to Harvest Garlic

  1. Timing: Garlic is usually ready to harvest in late spring to mid-summer, about 7–8 months after planting. For New Zealand, this often means December to January.
  2. Leaf Indicators: Watch the leaves:
    • When the lower leaves turn brown but the upper leaves are still green, it's time to harvest.
    • If too many leaves turn brown, the bulbs may start to split or rot in the ground.

Preparation for Harvest

  • Loosen the Soil: A few days before harvesting, stop watering to make the soil easier to work with and prevent mould.
  • Check Test Bulbs: Gently dig up one or two bulbs to check their size and the formation of cloves. Look for plump, well-defined cloves with intact wrappers.

How to Harvest

  1. Dig, Don’t Pull: Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the bulbs before lifting them. Avoid pulling by the stalk, as this can damage the bulb.
  2. Handle Gently: Be careful not to bruise or break the bulbs. Damaged garlic doesn't store well.

Post-Harvest Curing

  1. Clean Lightly: Brush off excess soil but don’t wash the bulbs. Keep the wrappers intact.
  2. Cure the Garlic:
    • Hang the bulbs in bunches or lay them out in a single layer in a dry, airy, shaded place for 2–3 weeks.
    • Proper curing improves flavour and extends shelf life.
  3. Trim and Store:
    • Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stalks to about 2.5–5 cm (unless you’re storing them braided).
    • Store in a cool, dark, dry place with good airflow.

Tips for Best Results

  • Harvest Before Heavy Rain: Waterlogged soil can lead to mould and poor curing conditions.
  • Use the Right Varieties: In New Zealand, hardneck and softneck garlic both thrive, but hardneck varieties are better for cooler regions.
  • Keep for Replanting: Save the biggest, healthiest bulbs to use as seed for the next season.

Harvest Garlic

Harvesting garlic is straightforward but requires attention to timing and proper techniques to ensure a good yield and long-lasting bulbs.
December 21, 2024
  December  

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