It is best to use a broad-fork to loosen the soil and unearth the bulbs due to the strong root system of garlic. Throughout the harvesting process be careful not to bruise the bulbs. Leave the roots and leaves intact for the curing process. Tie the bulbs by their leaves in groups of ten and hang in a warm, dry and well-ventilated area for several weeks. Once the curing is done cut the stems and roots to about one-half inch from the bulb. If the bulbs are dirty, remove the outer layer of skin using caution to not expose the cloves. Store the cured bulbs in a cool, dry location. The shelf-life for garlic bulbs is dependent on variety as well as storage conditions but plan on using the garlic within the year. (Cynthia Domenghini)
Harvesting Garlic
Garlic bulbs are usually ready for harvest from late June through early July. When about half of the leaves have turned yellow, the bulbs can be gently dug up. Waiting too long to harvest can result in the skins splitting and exposing the cloves to the soil. Harvesting too soon will result in immature cloves.
There are several reasons why healthy vegetable crops produce flowers and no fruit. Most squash, cucumbers and melons have separate male and female flowers on each plant. Usually, male flowers appear first in the season. Female flowers have a swollen area beneath the petals while male flowers have a narrow base. Check your plants to see if both flower types are present.
If male and female flowers are present, observe the area for pollinators. If few to no pollinators are present vegetables with separate male and female flowers may not produce fruit. Using a paintbrush, you can pollinate the flowers by transferring pollen from a male flower to the stigma of the female flower. Mark that flower and notice if it is the only one that sets fruit. If this is the case the problem is likely a lack of pollinators.
Pollinator activity can be inhibited by the weather. They are less active on cold or rainy days. Use of insecticides can also harm pollinators. If using herbicides, apply them in the evening when the flowers have closed for the day.
High temperatures can cause some vegetables to drop their blossoms prematurely. Tomatoes will stop producing fruit in temperatures above 95 degrees F. Production will resume once temperatures decrease. Ensure plants are receiving adequate water during this time.
Applying nitrogen promotes vegetative growth. However, excessive amounts can inhibit flower and fruit production. Follow fertilizer recommendations to avoid this. (Cynthia Domenghini)
Vegetables Produce Flowers But Not Fruit