The time to harvest garlic varies. However, in the northern United States and Europe the harvest begins mid to late July. In warmer climates, the garlic harvest can begin in mid-spring. Weather, soil conditions and the type of garlic planted in the fall of the year determines when the underground bulb is fully matured and is ready for harvest.

With garlic, timing is important for a quality harvest. A good indicator are the garlic leaves. A common rule of thumb is to dig the bulbs when about one third to 50 percent of the leaves have turned brown. As the bulb is maturing, the leaves begin to die and turn brown from the bottom up. It is a good idea to dig several bulbs and push the dirt away Check to see if they are fully mature, that is, if they are the right size and outer skin is tight around the bulb.

Hardneck garlic will send up a stock which will twist, called a scape. The scape is a good sign to get ready for a harvest. The scape appears about four to six weeks before the garlic is ready to harvest.

Although there are numerous opinions about the scape, which is good, gourmet eating, some growers generally believe more energy flows to the maturing bulb when the scape is removed. Others believe leaving the scape on the stem increases bulb size and improves the flavor. There are no hard fast rules with the scape, experiment to see what suits your best.

Softneck garlics, the variety most often purchased in the supermarket, generally do not have a scape, although there are, like most rules, exceptions. Softnecks can develop a scape after a period of adverse weather condition, The Asiatic and Turban varieties of Artichoke garlic, even though classified as softneck, will also send up a scape.

Exactly when to start digging the garlic is not difficult to determine., However, there are some tips. If the garlic has been dug too early the bulbs will split and they will not be good for eating. It is best to let them remain in the ground for a short time and watch them closely. Once the leaves are two-thirds brown, regardless of size, it is time to harvest. Don't put it off. Quality deteriorates rapidly leaving the bulbs in ground after the leaves wither and die.

Digging the garlic needs to be done gently; a garden fork or good shovel will work fine. But be careful. The bulbs can bruise easily. Always dig the bulbs, don't try to yank it our of the ground. Don't rush it, it is easy to send a shovel blade through a mature bulb.

Once the bulbs have been taken out of the dirt, shake off an remaining dirt. Do not wash. Some growers remove the stems and the roots before drying, others don't. Like the scape, there is an open debate about trimming the bulb and when.

The garlic should be hung and dried in a cool, dark and airy area for several weeks. The general recommendation is to dry the bulbs in temperatures about 72 F degrees Try not to leave them in the direct sunlight for too long, they can get sunburned, quality and taste will deteriorate if this happens. If needed, use a tarp to cover the dug garlic or set in the shade. The garlic is generally cured in four to six weeks.

Save the largest bulbs for planting in the fall. The largest cloves planted in the fall will produce the largest bulbs next growing season. Use the smaller ones for cooking or pickling. Enjoy the garlic. It is tasty and one of the best healthy foods to eat.

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