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
Loosen the Soil:
Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the onions. Be careful not to damage the bulbs.
Pull the Onions:
Grasp the tops of the onions and pull them out of the soil. Shake off any excess dirt.
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:
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