Why should you stop watering garlic before harvest?

Ceasing irrigation ahead of garlic harvest is a key component I learned when my bulbs rotted. Irrigation should be withheld to stop fungal disease and tighten the wrappers around the cloves. This one step alone makes the bulb much more resilient during harvesting and leads to a significant improvement in long-term storage.

I began to drip less water during the bulbing phase, about 4-6 weeks before harvest. I initially reduced irrigation by half and then further reduced it on a weekly basis. I stopped watering completely 10-14 days pre-harvest. This will allow the soil to dry while allowing the plant to utilize the moisture left behind. I note on my garden calendar when this begins.

Soil checks should be conducted to determine harvest readiness. A small hole can be dug where the plants are located, and the soil should be crumbling, not tacky. Bulbs will re-lift cleaner from dry soil and will usually rupture less because the soil is dry. I've followed this method faithfully after harvesting muddy bulbs that were later to rot. Harvesting at the right time ensures that the protective wrappers, the outer scales, are intact.

Make schedule adjustments for climate variability. During rainy seasons, use protective covers for a minimum of 2 weeks before harvest. During droughts, extend watering schedules slightly, but hold to the dry period. My raised beds are more efficient in terms of water drainage, therefore requiring less maintenance time. Each year, record the conditions to fine-tune your application.

Use this approach moving forward. Pay attention to bulb development. Gradually decrease the irrigation. Make sure the soil is dry before harvesting the crop. These steps will protect your investment in garlic. You'll notice improved bulb quality and enhanced storability immediately.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic and How to Do It Right