Market Farming

[Alliums <garlicgrower AT earthlink.net>]

Jim wrote:

> Since we are on the subject of garlic, when should it be harvested for
> the bulbs?

When 40% of the leaves are brown (of course, different varieties have 
different numbers of leaves, so check now to see how many leaves your 
garlic has).  Late June through July here in Southeastern PA.

> Someone told me that it should be pulled when the bloom pod
> pops open.

I'm trying to develop a market for the scapes here in PA -- if you cut them 
off, the bulbs will be bigger.  However, if you cut them off too soon, the 
bulbs may not store as long.

> I have always waited till fall when the stalk has dried
> down.

Wow! And the bulbs didn't pop open such that the individual cloves were 
exposed?  And you could actually save cloves for planting next 
year?  Someone tell me again why I'm living in PA! ;-)



Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator
St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden

A mission of
St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA  19460