What happens if garlic stays in the ground too long?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.If left in the ground too long, garlic will suffer serious, irreversible damage. When garlic bulbs become overripe they start to form split wrappers that expose the inner cloves to soil microbes. I once lost 30% of my crop to rotting after a rainy spring caused me to dig garlic too late. Digging at the optimum time will maintain the integrity of the wrapper and extend storage life.
Observe the lower leaves every week as the harvest period approaches. As the yellowing process begins and fifty percent yellowing occurs on the lower leaves, you may test one bulb by brushing away the soil. The cloves should fill the wrapper without gaps. If you are experiencing wet weather patterns, refrain from digging because wet soils will hasten the decomposition of the bulbs much more than drier soils.
Immediate Treatment
- Dry bulbs within 4 hours of harvest
- Trim roots to 1/4 inch with sterile shears
- Remove damaged outer wrappers immediately
- Apply cinnamon powder to prevent fungal growth
Long-Term Solutions
- Convert damaged bulbs to garlic powder
- Freeze cloves in olive oil within 48 hours
- Use compromised bulbs for planting stock
- Create garlic vinegar from split cloves
Avoid soil from sticking to your garlic by harvesting after the morning dew has dried. Do not wash bulbs, but rather knock off the clumps of dirt if they are so clumped that you cannot get them off without washing them. I learned this from my 2022 harvesting experience, how fast bulbs developed mold after washing was three times faster than those that I just brushed dry. Once harvested, cure bulbs in a shaded, ventilated area for at least 21 days.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic: Expert Tips for Perfect Timing
