Why tie garlic tops into knots?

Garlic tops or greens are traditionally tied into knots to produce larger, higher-quality heads (bulbs). These will produce good seed, and the harvested crop will have a longer shelf life. This method works by gradually drying out the damaged tops, which directs most of the nutrients to the bulb.

When to tie up garlic tops

It is customary to set the feathers at the stage of active ripening of the bulb. Specifically, several (3-5) days before harvest. For winter crops, this is approximately mid-July. spring The ripening period varies greatly; depending on the variety, the ripening process can end in July or October. Weather conditions should also be taken into account. Impending rain, drought, or frost are all reasons to harvest sooner.

The ripening time of the head can be determined by the type of feather:

• it bends towards the ground;
• becomes tougher;
• its tips turn yellow.

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To be sure, you can dig up a single head of garlic. If the skin peels off easily, the garlic is ripe. The heads should be dug up as soon as possible to prevent them from releasing nutrients into the soil.

How to tie up the tops

Garlic leaves are tied in a knot or braided tightly, ensuring they don't unravel. To protect your hands from cuts, wear gloves. Flower stalks can complicate the process. If they haven't been trimmed previously, do so now. It's important to trim or carefully break off the flower stalk, but never pull it off, to avoid damaging the bulb.

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It's best to harvest in the morning or evening. This ensures the garlic isn't exposed to harmful sunlight during the drying process.

To get beautiful, large heads of garlic, experienced gardeners recommend tying the leaves. This should be done a few days before harvesting. Depending on the variety, this could be midsummer or fall.