If you planted your garlic last fall, it may be getting close to harvest time. When garlic plant tops start to turn brown and dry, it's time to dig them up. In colder climates, garlic planted in early spring will be ready to harvest in August-September. Take care to dig them up before the bulbs being to decay underground. As you can see from the picture below, I have just harvested my 'purple Italian easy peel'. My bulbs were purchased from Territorial Seeds, which has a number of interesting types. After you have determined that it's time to harvest, dig the bulbs up and gently rinse off, or simply knock off the soil. Set them outside on a drying screen for a day or two to dry. To store, shear off the tops and roots to one inch of the bulb. If braiding, leave the length of the stem on the bulb. Store bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from direct sunlight. As a rule, garlic can last 3-4 months when the stem is cut to the bulb. Braided garlic lasts longer, up to a year from harvest. Some types have a longer storage life. Refer to your supplier's description when ordering your bulbs for growing.
Braiding Garlic Kitchen Garden Online has a good step-by-step guide to braiding garlic. There's nothing to it! As they suggest, flowers and herbs can also be worked into the braid. This would be a wonderfully decorative and functional addition to any kitchen! Recipe: Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, 1 large lemon, thinly sliced, 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced; 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme; salt and pepper; 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Directions: Sprinkle the herbs, salt and pepper (to taste) on the chicken. Place ½ of lemon slices and 2/3 of the garlic in the roasting pan. Loosen the skin under the breasts and push the remaining lemon slices and garlic under this skin. Place the chicken in the roasting pan and drizzle the lemon juice on top. Roast in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until juices run clear. Additional Sites The Garlic Shoppe from Gilroy, CA includes a tool section with garlic keepers and peelers. Learn to Prepare garlic: peeling, mincing, chopping, etc. Official Gilroy Garlic Festival Website "Everything Garlic" is a one stop shop for garlic lovers!
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