Garlic finished?

According to my instructions from the Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight (where I bought my garlic last year), the plant needs to flower first. Then cut off the flowering spikes and use them in stir fries, and when the leaves wilt and die the garlic is ready. This is my first year growing it though, so I am only going by instructions. If anyone out there is more experienced in the growing of garlic, please share!!

My over wintered garlic is starting to droop now and looks as if it is almost ready, but it is due for harvesting in June. My instructions also say NOT to water 2 weeks prior to harvest, so I have stopped now.

I think I am right in saying that hardneck varieties always flower. Softneck varieties such as Solent Wight only a few. Someone else may know more about this.

Garlic is best lifted when the tops have yellowed. If you leave them to die right back there is a danger that the bulbs will split the outside skins and if it is wet they may rot.