When to Harvest Garlic in Missouri: A Guide

When to Harvest Garlic in Missouri

Garlic is a staple of many kitchens, and for good reason. It’s a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But when is the best time to harvest garlic in Missouri?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the variety of garlic you’re growing, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. In general, however, you can start harvesting garlic in Missouri in late July or early August.

To determine if your garlic is ready to harvest, look for the following signs:

• The leaves have turned yellow and started to wilt.
• The cloves are plump and firm.
• The skins are papery and starting to split.

Once you’ve harvested your garlic, you can store it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to harvest garlic in Missouri, how to tell if your garlic is ready, and how to store your garlic for long-term use.

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Month	Harvest Stage	Tips
June	Green garlic	Harvesting green garlic is as simple as pulling the entire plant out of the ground.
July	Fully mature garlic	To harvest fully mature garlic, wait until the leaves have turned yellow and the bulbs are firm.
August	Dried garlic	To harvest dried garlic, wait until the leaves have completely died back and the bulbs are hard.

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When is the best time to harvest garlic in Missouri?

Garlic is a cool-season crop that is typically harvested in the fall. The exact time to harvest garlic will vary depending on the variety of garlic, the climate, and the growing conditions. In Missouri, garlic is typically ready to harvest in late September or early October.

Factors to consider when determining when to harvest garlic

There are a few factors to consider when determining when to harvest garlic in Missouri. These include:

• The variety of garlic: Different varieties of garlic mature at different rates. Some varieties, such as hardneck garlic, take longer to mature than softneck garlic.
• The climate: The climate in Missouri can vary significantly from one year to the next. A warm, dry summer will cause garlic to mature faster than a cool, wet summer.
• The growing conditions: The growing conditions, such as soil type, water availability, and sunlight exposure, can also affect the maturity of garlic.

Signs that garlic is ready to harvest

There are a few signs that garlic is ready to harvest. These include:

• The leaves of the garlic plant will start to turn yellow and wilt.
• The cloves of garlic will be plump and firm.
• The skin of the cloves will be papery and easy to peel.

How to harvest garlic

Harvesting garlic is a relatively simple process. To harvest garlic, follow these steps:

1. Gently loosen the soil around the garlic plant with a garden fork.
2. Grasp the garlic plant at the base and gently pull it up.
3. Shake off the excess dirt and remove any damaged cloves.
4. Allow the garlic to dry in a warm, dry location for a few days before storing it.

How to store garlic after harvest

Garlic can be stored for several months after harvest. To store garlic, follow these steps:

1. Place the garlic in a mesh bag or open container.
2. Store the garlic in a cool, dry location.
3. Check the garlic periodically and remove any cloves that have started to spoil.

Tips for storing garlic

Here are a few tips for storing garlic:

• Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as this can cause the garlic to become soft and mushy.
• If you are storing garlic for a long period of time, you can freeze it. To freeze garlic, simply place the cloves in a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 6 months.
• You can also dry garlic to store it. To dry garlic, simply place the cloves on a baking sheet and bake them at low heat for several hours. Once the cloves are dry, store them in an airtight container.

Harvesting garlic is a simple process that can be done by anyone. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh garlic all winter long.

How to store garlic after harvest

There are a few different ways to store garlic after harvest. The best method for you will depend on how much garlic you have and how long you plan to store it.

• Short-term storage

If you only have a small amount of garlic to store, you can simply place it in a mesh bag or open container in a cool, dry place. The garlic will keep for several weeks this way.

• Long-term storage

If you have a large amount of garlic to store, you can freeze it or dry it.

• Freezing garlic

To freeze garlic, simply place the cloves in a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use the garlic, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

• Drying garlic

To dry garlic, simply place the cloves on a baking sheet and bake them at low heat for several hours. Once the cloves are dry, store them in an airtight container.

Tips for storing garlic

Here are a few tips for storing garlic:

• Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as this can cause the garlic to become soft and mushy.
• If you are storing garlic for a long period of time, you can freeze it. To freeze garlic, simply place the cloves in a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 6 months.
• You can also dry garlic to store it. To dry garlic, simply place the cloves on a baking sheet and bake them at low heat for several hours. Once the cloves are dry, store them in an airtight container.

When To Harvest Garlic In Missouri?

Garlic is a cool-weather crop that is best harvested in the fall, after the leaves have turned yellow and begun to die back. In Missouri, the ideal time to harvest garlic is typically between late September and early October. However, the exact timing will vary depending on the weather conditions.

To determine when your garlic is ready to harvest, you can gently tug on the leaves. If the leaves come away easily from the bulb, it is time to harvest. You can also check the cloves by gently squeezing them. If the cloves are firm and plump, they are ready to harvest.

Harvesting garlic is a relatively simple process. To harvest your garlic, simply dig up the bulbs with a garden fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the bulbs. Once the bulbs are dug up, shake off the excess dirt and let them dry in the sun for a few days.

Once the bulbs are dry, you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to six months. To store garlic, place the bulbs in a mesh bag or open container and store them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or pantry.

Common Problems with Garlic Harvesting and Storage

There are a few common problems that can occur with garlic harvesting and storage. These problems include:

• Mold: Garlic is susceptible to mold, especially if it is not stored properly. To prevent mold, make sure to dry the garlic thoroughly before storing it. You can also store the garlic in a cool, dry place.
• Rot: Garlic can also rot if it is not stored properly. To prevent rot, make sure to store the garlic in a cool, dry place. You can also store the garlic in a mesh bag or open container to allow for air circulation.
• Insects: Garlic can be infested with insects, such as aphids and mites. To prevent insect infestation, make sure to store the garlic in a sealed container. You can also spray the garlic with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.

Resources for More Information on Garlic Harvesting and Storage

There are a number of resources available for more information on garlic harvesting and storage. These resources include:

• Online resources: There are a number of online resources that provide information on garlic harvesting and storage. Some helpful websites include:
• [The National Gardening Association](https://www.gardening.org/learn/articles/garlic-harvesting-and-storage)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac](https://www.almanac.com/content/garlic-harvesting-and-storage)
• [The University of Missouri Extension](https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g3451)
• Books and articles: There are also a number of books and articles that provide information on garlic harvesting and storage. Some helpful books include:
• [Garlic: The Complete Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Cooking](https://www.amazon.com/Garlic-Complete-Guide-Growing-Harvesting/dp/1603587974)
• [The Garlic Lover’s Handbook](https://www.amazon.com/Garlic-Lovers-Handbook-Growing-Cooking/dp/1570611527)
• [The Encyclopedia of Garlic](https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Garlic-History-Culinary-Uses/dp/0812992525)
• Government agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) provide a number of resources on garlic harvesting and storage. Some helpful resources include:
• [USDA Garlic Production Guide](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/garlic-production-guide.pdf)
• [NIFA Garlic Research](https://www.nifa.usda.gov/topics/garlic-research)

Harvesting garlic is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it at the right time to ensure that the garlic is properly cured and stored. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh, delicious garlic all winter long.

When is the best time to harvest garlic in Missouri?

Garlic is typically harvested in Missouri in late July or early August, when the leaves have turned yellow and the bulbs are firm. To check if the garlic is ready to harvest, gently tug on a leaf. If it comes out easily, the garlic is ready.

How do I know if my garlic is overripe?

Garlic that is overripe will have soft, brown cloves that are starting to fall apart. The skin will also be loose and easy to peel.

How do I harvest garlic?

To harvest garlic, first dig up the bulbs with a garden fork. Be careful not to damage the bulbs. Then, gently shake off the excess dirt and remove the leaves. If the garlic is wet, allow it to dry in a warm, sunny spot for a few days before storing it.

How do I store garlic?

Garlic can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months. To store garlic, place the bulbs in a mesh bag or open container and keep them away from direct sunlight. You can also store garlic in the refrigerator, but it will only last for a few weeks.

How do I use garlic?

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to soups, stews, salads, and sauces. Garlic can also be roasted, fried, or pickled.

What are the health benefits of garlic?

Garlic has a number of health benefits, including:

• Reducing blood pressure
• lowering cholesterol
• boosting the immune system
• fighting infection
• improving digestion

the best time to harvest garlic in Missouri is when the garlic is fully mature and the cloves are plump and firm. This is typically in late July or early August. To harvest garlic, carefully dig up the bulbs with a fork or spade, taking care not to damage the cloves. Once the bulbs are out of the ground, shake off the excess dirt and let them dry for a few days in a sunny spot. Then, store the garlic in a cool, dry place for use throughout the year.

Harvesting your own garlic is a rewarding experience that can save you money and give you access to fresh, delicious garlic. By following these tips, you can successfully grow and harvest garlic in Missouri.