[Michael D]

HI ALL   I HAVE JUST LIFTED MY GARLIC TODAY   55 BULBS   I NOW AV THEM  ON A WIRE RACK  IN GREENHOUSE,  IM JUST NOT SURE HOW LONG  THEY NEED TO DRY.  ANY ADVICE  PLEASE.      MICHAEL

[Trillium]

Hi Michael, we ask our members not to write in Caps as its considered rude, so in future if you could just use lower case it would be appreciated.

When the bulb skins and stalks feel papery and there is no sign at all of green on the stems, then you can cut off the roots and stalks, which shouldn't show any sign of green or life. I let mine dry another 2 weeks just to be sure before I store them loosely in net bags. Some prefer to braid or tie them so leave the stalks on if that's what you choose.

[maddles]

I've tried plaiting them and just cutting off the roots and stalks and hanging them up in a cool dry place in a net bag. I found that when they are plaited they last much longer i.e. don't start sprouting as quickly in storage.

Usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to dry but I've used them in cooking freshly harvested too.

There's some instructions for plaiting them here:

http://www.bloomingfieldsfarm.com/garbrdhow.html

Hope that helps a bit.

[SalJ1980]

Maddles, many thanks for that link - I found that site last year (when I didn't grow garlic) and for the life of me haven't been able to find it again since, but will be needing it this year! Cheers! 

[Elcie]

Mine got rust so I couldn't plait them 

Never mind, they have dried and are in the cupboard now!