Growing your own garlic and onions is incredibly rewarding, providing fresh, flavorful ingredients for your kitchen. Knowing when to harvest these vegetables is crucial to ensure you get the best flavor and longest storage life. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right time to harvest onions and garlic, along with tips on how to properly harvest and store them.

When to Harvest Onions

Onions are typically ready to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall, depending on when they were planted.

Signs to Look For:

• Yellowing Tops: The green tops of the onions will start to turn yellow and fall over.

• Bulb Size: The bulbs should be large and firm to the touch.

Harvesting Onions

1. Loosen the Soil:

   • Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the onions. Be careful not to damage the bulbs.

2. Pull the Onions:

   • Grasp the tops of the onions and pull them out of the soil. Shake off any excess dirt.

3. Cure the Onions:

   • Lay the onions out in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Allow them to cure for about two weeks, until the outer skins are papery and the necks are completely dry.

Storing Onions

• Trim the Tops: Once cured, trim the tops to about an inch above the bulb.

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the onions in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Mesh bags, crates, or baskets work well.

When to Harvest Garlic

Garlic is typically ready to harvest in mid-summer, about 7-8 months after planting. The key sign is the changing appearance of the leaves.

Signs to Look For:

• Yellowing Leaves: The lower leaves of the garlic plant will start to turn yellow and brown.

• Bulb Size: Gently dig up a few bulbs to check their size. The cloves should be well-formed and the bulbs should be plump.

Harvesting Garlic

1. Loosen the Soil:

   • Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the garlic plants. Be careful not to pierce the bulbs.

2. Lift the Bulbs:

   • Gently lift the garlic bulbs from the soil. Shake off any excess dirt, but do not wash the bulbs.

3. Cure the Garlic:

   • Hang the garlic bulbs in bunches or lay them out in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Allow them to cure for about 2-3 weeks, until the skins are dry and papery.

Storing Garlic

• Trim the Tops: Once cured, trim the tops to about an inch above the bulb.

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Mesh bags, braids, or baskets work well.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Washing: Do not wash onions or garlic before storing, as moisture can lead to mold and spoilage.

• Check Regularly: Periodically check your stored onions and garlic for any signs of spoilage and remove any that are soft or moldy.

• Ideal Storage Conditions: The ideal storage temperature for onions and garlic is between 32-40°F (0-4°C), with low humidity.

Conclusion

Harvesting onions and garlic at the right time and storing them properly ensures you get the best flavor and longest shelf life from your home-grown produce. Follow these tips to enjoy fresh, flavorful onions and garlic all year round. Happy gardening!