Rather than pulling on the stems, you should dig the garlic out of the ground.
The provided reference video suggests avoiding pulling directly on the stems to harvest garlic. A more effective method involves loosening the soil around the bulb and then carefully lifting the garlic out. This prevents damaging the bulb or detaching the stem.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil surrounding the garlic bulb. Be careful not to pierce or damage the bulb. Insert the tool a few inches away from the stem to avoid direct contact.
- Carefully Lift: Once the soil is loosened, gently lift the garlic plant from the base of the bulb. You can use your hands to carefully wiggle the bulb free.
- Avoid Pulling on the Stem: As the video suggests, avoid pulling directly on the stem, as this can cause the stem to detach from the bulb, potentially damaging the garlic.
After harvesting, remember to cure your garlic by hanging it in a covered, well-ventilated area like a shed or garage.
