When To Harvest Garlic In Colorado
Do you want to know when to harvest garlic in Colorado? Look no further! Harvesting garlic at the right time ensures the best flavor and storage longevity. Keep reading to learn more about when to harvest garlic in Colorado.
Pain Points
Many Colorado gardeners struggle with timing their garlic harvest. Harvest too soon, and the garlic won't have fully matured, resulting in a harsh flavor and shorter storage life. Harvest too late, and the cloves can separate and burst through the skin, making them unusable.
When to Harvest Garlic in Colorado
The best time to harvest garlic in Colorado is in late June through mid-July, when the lower leaves have turned brown and the top 3-4 leaves are still green. The garlic bulbs should be plump and firm to the touch. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel, being careful not to damage them. After harvesting, leave the garlic in a warm, dry place to cure for 2-3 weeks before storing.
Summary
In summary, Colorado gardeners should harvest their garlic in late June through mid-July when the lower leaves have turned brown and the top leaves are still green. This ensures the best flavor and storage life for the garlic bulbs. Remember to cure the garlic for 2-3 weeks before storing.
When to Harvest Garlic in Colorado - Personal Experience
Last summer, I harvested my garlic too early and was disappointed with the harsh flavor. This year, I waited until the lower leaves had turned brown and the top leaves were still green, and the garlic bulbs were much larger and plumper. The flavor was milder and more delicious, and the bulbs have lasted much longer in storage.
Tips for Harvesting Garlic in Colorado
When harvesting garlic in Colorado, be sure to loosen the soil around the bulbs carefully, as garlic has delicate roots that can be easily damaged. It's also important to avoid watering the garlic for a few days before harvesting, as wet soil can cause the bulbs to rot. If you're not sure whether your garlic is ready to harvest, gently dig up a bulb and cut it in half. The cloves should fill the skin, indicating that they've matured.
How to Store Garlic after Harvesting
After harvesting the garlic in Colorado, it's important to cure it for 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry place with good ventilation. This allows the skin to dry and the flavor to develop fully. Once the garlic has cured, it can be stored in mesh bags or baskets in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing garlic in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause it to rot.
Harvesting Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the curly stems that grow from hardneck garlic in early summer. While they can be left on the plant, removing them can help the garlic bulbs grow larger. To harvest garlic scapes, cut them off just above the top leaves before they start to curl. They can be used in cooking to add a mild garlic flavor.
When to Harvest Garlic in Colorado - Personal Experience
I love using garlic in my cooking, and harvesting it in my Colorado garden has been a rewarding experience. Waiting until the leaves have browned before harvesting has made a noticeable difference in both the flavor and storage life of my garlic bulbs. I also enjoy harvesting the garlic scapes and using them in stir-fries and salads.
Question and Answer
Q: When is the best time to harvest garlic in Colorado?
A: The best time to harvest garlic in Colorado is in late June through mid-July, when the lower leaves have turned brown and the top 3-4 leaves are still green.
Q: How should I store garlic after harvesting?
A: After harvesting, garlic should be cured for 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry place with good ventilation. Once cured, it can be stored in mesh bags or baskets in a cool, dry place.
Q: What can I do with garlic scapes?
A: Garlic scapes can be used in cooking to add a mild garlic flavor. They should be harvested before they start to curl, and can be cut just above the top leaves.
Q: What happens if I harvest garlic too early?
A: Harvesting garlic too early can result in harsh flavor and shorter storage life. It's important to wait until the leaves have browned before harvesting.
Conclusion
Harvesting garlic in Colorado requires timing and care, but it's a rewarding experience for any home gardener. By waiting until the lower leaves have browned and the top leaves are still green, gardeners can ensure the best flavor and storage life for their garlic bulbs. Remember to cure the garlic for 2-3 weeks before storing in a cool, dry place.
Gallery
Harvesting Colorado Garlic And Bulbils | Regen Farms
Photo Credit by: bing.com / garlic colorado harvest hardneck
Harvesting Colorado Garlic And Bulbils | Regen Farms
Photo Credit by: bing.com / garlic colorado harvest hardneck bulbils harvesting
Colorado Garden Punch List - Betty Cahill: Garlic Harvest - Fall Planted
Photo Credit by: bing.com / garlic harvest garden plant punch colorado list scapes betty cahill prior weeks remove two
My Very First Garlic Harvest! : MightyHarvest
Photo Credit by: bing.com / harvest garlic
Garlic Harvest 2020 : Vegetablegardening
Photo Credit by: bing.com /