Garlic is ready to harvest when 30% of the plants on a farm have turned brown and begun to die. Harvesting can be done manually or mechanically, but it must be done with care to avoid damaging the bulbs.
When will my garlic be ready to pick?
The bulbs are ready to harvest when the lower two or three leaves turn yellow or brown. If you wait too long after this point, your bulbs will not have as many protective layers around the cloves, making them less likely to store well. At the same time, the remaining leaves will almost certainly have yellow or brown tips.
In South Africa, when is the best time to plant garlic?
While the ideal planting date varies from region to region, the general recommendation in South Africa is from February to May. Work compost into the soil before planting to improve its fertility and structure.
What happens if you leave garlic in the ground for an extended period of time?
Over-mature bulbs can split open if left in the ground for too long, making them vulnerable to molds and dehydration. Perhaps there are soils out there that are loose and loamy enough to allow garlic to be pulled from the ground by the tops without tearing or breaking any stems.
