[tillyt]

Some advice needed please. What is the best way to dry your garlic when lifted? Does it need to be in direct sun or is it better in a cooler shed, laid flat or tied up in bunches? Want to make sure I get it right as it looks to be a good crop this year? Look forward to all your thoughts, thanks

[angelavdavis]

I usually lift mine and dry indoors (mainly because you can't be guaranteed dry weather, although it might be worth a punt at the moment).  I dry mine in a conservatory, but usually stink the place out!  I am sure that you are better drying them out not in direct sunlight, as it will no doubt reduce the pungency, but I have little option.

I always try to plait mine both to store and to allow them to dry out fully.  You really need the stems to have a little flexibility and not be too fragile to do this.  There are some great videos on Facebook which shows how to do this. Once they are tidied and plaited, I hang them in my utility room.

[Trillium]

It's generally recommended to dry garlic out of the direct sun. Mostly you need to space it a bit so there's good airflow (to avoid mold). Hanging it by clothespins on a line in a shed, garage, or laundry room is ideal. It'll get the ventilation it needs and you can keep an eye on it for any bad spots. Dry until the stems are crispy brown.

[Sweetpea C]

Sigh, mine are plaited and in the full sun ... Best go and move them. Live and learn! X

[brianbishop]

https://www.garlicfarm.ca/garlic-harvesting-pospisil.htm

I found this a very informative site.
Bish

[JayG]

I've only been growing garlic for 4 years so it's probably true to say I've never tried drying them in the sun!

They're much easier to dry properly than onions and shallots though - I've still got some in quite good condition from last year (in a mesh plastic tray in a dark frost-free cupboard/cubby hole thingy built into the side of the house.)

[Wavertree Red]

I just hang mine in the shed, worked fine last year.  Got about 3 times the amount this year - all going well.

[compostqueen]

I dry mine in the sunshine (if we're lucky) and when all crispy I tidy them up and make them look nice, then put them into store in a cool place.  Some of mine are sunbathing on the patio along with some onions    It needs to be dry before you put it into storage

[tillyt]

Thanks for all your helpful replies, it is very much appreciated. Always get great advice on this site.

[gavinjconway]

Why wast the free sunshine we are having. Pull it out, knock the soil clod off the roots and leave it in the sunny bed to dry.. Turn every few days till its well dried than you can move to the shed etc.. See my pic above - mine has been left there to dry.

[Ema]

Just put mine on the wire garden table with the shallots. Once the muds dried off a bit more I'll move them into the shade. I get rats and mice in my garage and in guessing they'd love some garlic so will have to store them in the kitchen

Have you ever seen rust this bad?

[Trillium]

Why wast the free sunshine we are having.

Although it sounds ideal to dry garlic in the sun, it's not really recommended. Instead, shade drying is recommended to better evenly dry out the garlic rather than 'cooking' it in the sun and minimizing taste and health benefits. A longer, slower drying time is preferred over fast, hot drying.

[rowan57]

Hmmm now I have an interesting one, my garlic is being dried on the bench outside, and it seems today 3 of the hardnecks have sent out significant scapes.... Can't say I expected that.

[Trillium]

That is very odd. I'd snap them off before the cloves shrivel with the effort.

[rowan57]

I have, you think you've seen everything then theres a new surprise from nature.