When to Harvest Garlic

Garlic is ready to harvest once the leaves begin to yellow and die back. Harvesting at the right time helps bulbs develop properly and store well.

In the UK, garlic is usually harvested in early to mid-summer, depending on planting time.

Checking the leaves is the easiest way to know when garlic is ready.

Signs garlic is ready to harvest

Garlic is usually ready when:

• lower leaves turn yellow

• upper leaves remain partly green

• bulbs feel well developed

Harvesting too late can cause bulbs to split.

Harvesting garlic carefully

Loosen the soil around the bulb before lifting garlic from the ground.

Avoid pulling directly on the leaves.

Lift bulbs gently to prevent damage.

Harvesting container garlic

Garlic growing in containers can be harvested by loosening compost around the bulbs.

For container advice, see growing garlic in containers.

Drying garlic after harvest

Garlic bulbs are often dried in a warm, dry place for several weeks after harvest.

This helps improve storage.

Garlic harvest season in the UK

Garlic planted in autumn is usually ready to harvest in summer.

For planting advice, see when to plant garlic in the UK.

For growing advice, see how to grow garlic in the UK.