Harvesting Garlic: When, How & What To Do Next
’ve just harvested my garlic here in the UK — the leaves were yellowing, and the bulbs looked ready. It reminded me that many gardeners may be wondering when to lift their own crop, so I thought it would be helpful to share a practical guide. Whether you’ve planted softneck or hardneck varieties, timing and technique can make all the difference in getting a flavourful, long-lasting harvest. Here’s everything you need to know about when to harvest garlic, how to do it properly, and how to cure and store your bulbs for maximum flavour and shelf life.
🌞 When to Harvest Garlic
The timing depends slightly on variety and local climate, but in the UK, garlic is typically ready to harvest from late June to mid-July. Here’s how to tell:
- Check the leaves: When the lower 2 or 3 leaves have turned yellow and the top leaves are still green, it’s time.
- Don’t wait too long: If all the leaves die back, the bulbs may begin to split or deteriorate underground.
- Bonus tip: For hardneck varieties, you can harvest garlic scapes earlier in June (they make excellent pesto!).
⛏️ How to Harvest Garlic
Avoid yanking! Garlic bulbs are delicate and can bruise easily. Here’s how to lift them gently:
- Use a fork or hand tool to loosen the soil several inches away from the bulb.
- Gently lift the plant from underneath.
- Avoid pulling by the stem – it can break off, leaving the bulb buried.
- Shake off loose soil but do not wash the bulbs.
Lay them out carefully so the bulbs are not bumped or bruised.
🍃 Curing Garlic: Drying for Storage
Once harvested, garlic needs to be cured to store well. This drying process allows the wrappers to tighten and protects the bulbs from rot.
Curing Tips:
- Leave the leaves on: They help draw moisture from the bulbs.
- Hang in bunches or lay flat on a rack or mesh tray.
- Choose a dry, airy, shaded spot – like a garage, greenhouse (vented), or shed.
- Allow 2-3 weeks for full curing.
When the skins are papery and the necks are dry, you can cut off the tops and roots.
🚜 Storing Garlic
Once cured:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place (ideal: 5–10°C).
- Keep bulbs whole until you’re ready to use them.
- Mesh bags, hanging braids, or old colanders work well.
Avoid fridges (too damp) and plastic (traps moisture).
🔹 Bonus Tips:
- Plant the best bulbs in autumn for next year’s crop.
- Softneck garlic stores longer than hardneck types.
- Keep a few bulbs aside to make homemade garlic powder or preserve in oil (follow safe guidelines).
Happy harvesting – and enjoy the satisfaction of seasoning your meals with garlic you grew yourself!
