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Garlic cut too early?

12 years ago

Hello! This is my second year growing garlic. Last year I had a very successful year, harvested them over a period of 1-2 weeks (waiting till most of the leaves turned brown). I cured them in a shed for 2-3 weeks, and stored them in my pantry, where they lasted until at least December.

THIS year, I stored them in a different shed, but there was still adequate air flow. I let them hang for 3 weeks before cutting. When I cut them, there was still a little green in most. The ones that were more green I set aside to use immediately. For the others, I stored them the same way I did last year.

But they are rotting :( Some are too far gone, and have been thrown out. I would like to save the others before they go that route...

is it too late? Or can I sort of "re-cure" them by placing them back in the shed?

Also, this summer is much much drier than last summer.

any help would be appreciated!!!

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Comments (4)

wcthomas
12 years ago
Sounds like you may have cut them too early. I usually cure mine for at least four weeks, and the necks should be brown and dry. I would try re-curing them in a dry location. If that doesn't work, try chopping and freezing before they rot.

TomNJ
Mark
12 years ago
Wcthomas's advice is right on, but i'm confused about something. When did you harvest the garlic that's rotting now? I only just dug my garlic yesterday.
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leahsurfer
Original Author
12 years ago
Awesome. I have them now "re-curing" in a much more aerated place...

I harvested them early June. Planted them early last October. As far as I know, the harvest is right on time, maybe a little earlier (last year I was harvesting until the end of June, but I planted quite a variety). This year I planted nothing but Early White.

Right when temps hit 95-100 degrees here, it starts to turn yellow pretty fast. And this summer, it has been anywhere from 98-103 every day since early June :(

I'm in Central Texas.
Mark
12 years ago
That explains a lot. I'm just harvesting here in NW Oregon where it's been wet and cold all spring and into early summer. We might as well be in different countries.
Anyway, don't dry up and blow away and hope you get some cooler moisture soon. And good luck with the garlic.

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