Did you know garlic will continue to grow long after you remove it from the ground? To stop this process you need your garlic stalk to dry out also known as cure. Garlic should also be harvested prior to bloom to stop it from going to seed.
This year I’ve harvested our garlic and made it into a garlic braid for storage! The braid will hang in our pantry and when a bulb is needed it will simply be cut from the braid. Garlic is usually good for about six months when stored this way.
Here’s how to make your own. Allow your garlic to cure with the stalk left intact. Rinse the garlic well so no dirt remains. Once the stalk appears dry take three bulbs; a firmer stalk for the center and more flimsy for the sides. Use a tie around the base of all three garlic and add another garlic to the center stalk. Pull one side stalk of garlic over, mimicking a braid, then alternate sides and repeat the process.
My secret to a good braid is zip ties! At any point if you feel like the braid is too loose or a head of garlic is slipping, just add a zip tie around the entire braid or the newest stalks and some of the older ones.
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