Do you know what elevates any dish? Garlic! It is such a simple ingredient, yet so versatile. Not only is it a delicious addition to any savory meal, garlic offers many health benefits too! So let’s preserve garlic for long-term enjoyment.
In order to have the bounty last, you must understand how to properly preserve garlic and follow proper curing and storing techniques.
Timeline of garlic in the garden
October-November: Planting
Garlic is a unique crop because it goes into the ground in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before first frost. Since it is in the garden so long, it is important to mulch heavily with something like straw, leaves, grass cuttings, etc.
November- December: Early development
When planted in the fall, garlic has time to start developing roots before the soil gets too cold. It does not have enough time to start forming any top growth, however.
January- March: Overwinter
Garlic goes through a dormancy period when it does not grow much, if any at all, during the cold winter months. Dormancy then leads to a process called vernalization, which is what causes the single garlic bulb to start splitting into multiple cloves.
Read more about dormancy and vernalization here.
March- April: Sprouting
As the soil begins to warm up, garlic will start to grow through the soil and mulch.
April- May: Leaf Growth
With the longer days garlic leaves begin to grow taller. More leaf growth means more photosynthesis to grow the bulbs below the ground.
May-June: Scapes
At this point in their development, hardneck garlic will begin the flowering process and produce a garlic scape. This is a tender stem that curls and will send out a flower if not harvested.
Veggie farmers and lots of home gardeners will harvest these scapes to encourage more bulb growth.
They are a delicious addition to any dish before the main garlic harvest begins.
Read more about the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic here!
June-July: Final growth, harvesting, and preserving garlic
The foliage will begin to turn brown and flop over when the garlic is mature enough for harvest.
How to preserve garlic
Curing
Curing is essential for the longevity of storage garlic. It involves drying out the garlic cloves until the outer skins are completely dry and feel like paper. The necks tightly close, as well.
1. When to harvest
As garlic bulbs mature under the soil, the green foliage starts to die and turn brown. After the third leaf falls over and is completely brown, the garlic is ready to harvest.
This usually happens between late June and early July in my growing zone (zone 6b)
2. How to harvest
Garlic is strongly rooted in the soil because it is in there for up to 9 months. I do not recommend pulling it up by hand as it often rips.
A broadfork is a great tool to loosen the soil so you can easily pull up the bulbs. Be careful not to stab the garlic when you dig the fork in the ground.
As best you can, shake all the soil off of the bulbs without damaging them.
3. Drying freshly harvested garlic
This is the most crucial step for preserving garlic.
Leave the leaves attached to each bulb. You have the option to tie a bunch of garlic together or leave them separate. Some people like to braid the garlic before drying. If you want to do this step you need softneck garlic, which performs better in mild climates.
Then hang the bundles or simply lay them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated room, out of direct sunlight. It is best to keep the environment around 70-85°F and 60-70% humidity.
To ensure you properly preserve the garlic, allow it to cure for 2-4 weeks. This is plenty of time for the skins to get papery and the necks to close.
Storage
Curing is only the first part of the preservation process. Proper storage is key to ensure the garlic stays fresh long after the harvest.
1. Cleaning and snipping
Clean the outer layer of skin by rubbing your hand down the stem and around the bulb. It is important not to remove too many layers as this leaves the garlic susceptible to rot. Shake off any soil that may still be on the roots.
Then snip the stem about an inch above the bulb.
2. Sorting
If you plan to save any garlic for seed, set aside the best looking, biggest bulbs to plant in the fall.
Then set aside any bulbs that have started to split. These are absolutely edible, just plan on eating those first because they will not store well.
Another tip is to eat the large bulbs before the small ones as the small ones often last longer.
3. Storage containers
Mesh bags, baskets, or any container that allows for air flow are a great options for garlic. Without air flow, the garlic will mold quickly.
4. Location
Find a cool and dry place with consistently cool temperatures. A pantry, kitchen drawer, root cellar (if you’re fortunate enough to have one) are good spots.
Do not refrigerate. Garlic will sprout in the fridge and also lose some flavor.
5. Monitor
Check on the garlic every now and then to remove any bulbs that are molding or going soft. This will keep it from spreading to the rest of them. Try to salvage what you can of the bad ones if possible.
6. Bonus
Dehydrate the garlic in the oven or a dehydrator, blend it up in a food processor, and voilà! You’ve got the most aromatic and delicious garlic powder you’ve ever tasted!
Conclusion
Garlic is a time-consuming crop. It takes up space in the garden for up to 9 months. But there is nothing like growing your own garlic and enjoying it all winter long.
Be sure to make your gardening efforts worthwhile by implementing these crucial steps for proper garlic curing and storing. It is so worth the effort to preserve garlic. Your winter self will thank you!
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