Harvesting Garlic

It’s nearing harvest time and you may be wondering if your garlic is ready. With some knowledge and tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful harvest!

Timing

In general, harvest your garlic when 50% of the lower leaves die back and start to yellow, and the upper leaves are still green, typically 8-9 months after planting. Each leaf creates a skin that is wrapped around the bulb for protection and storage. 

Honeyville Acres is located in Zone 6b (Northern Utah), and we harvest our garlic in early July. Each planting zone will have its own harvest window, which will be earlier in the south and later in the north. The harvest window can vary slightly year to year based on daylight hours and temperatures.

Check Readiness

It is a good idea to start checking for readiness of your garlic bulbs a few weeks before you plan to harvest. Gently dig up one garlic bulb to ensure it’s well formed with tight, intact skins. If the cloves are still small or the skin is thin, give it another week or two. Timing and bulb size vary by variety, so knowing your type can fine-tune your harvest. 

Harvesting

Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs, starting a few inches away to avoid damaging them. Carefully pull the bulbs out by the stem to dig them up, shaking off excessive soil. Handle gently to prevent damage and bruising.

Curing

Place the garlic (with leaves and roots intact) in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area for approximately 2-4 weeks to cure. Spread them out or hang in bundles. The skins will dry and the flavor will intensify. 

Storing

Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stems to about an inch above the bulb. Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, like mesh bags or baskets. Properly stored garlic can last 6-12 months. 

Tips

• Taper off watering the garlic plants 1- 2 weeks beforehand. This will allow the bulbs to mature and the outer skins to dry, which helps form the protective layer for harvest. 
• When you trim the scapes in the spring, do not trim one to two plants. The scapes will continue to form and when they are pointing straight up to the sky it indicates it’s time to harvest. 
• Don’t delay harvesting too long, or the bulbs may split. 
• Save the largest bulbs for replanting in the fall.