On 6/17 we harvested all the rest of the garlic. The Duganski, Silver Rose, and Chesnok did finally grow to full size and was ready for harvest. We somehow found room to hang up these with the other heads of garlic to dry. There were only 55 heads in this group. I expected about twice or more since last time we harvested half the planted area. So obviously these three varieties did not perform as well. But this means we have a total of 168 heads of garlic from our small suburban plot. This is way too much for two people to use in one year so we are surely going to give some away to friends and neighbors once they are ready. The garlic has to dry completely. Then we can remove the roots and peel the outer layers. From there we can braid them into various braids by variety or do mixed braids.
Most importantly I can now begin to see what types of garlic do well here and are worth planting this coming fall. By far the California and Pioneer Softneck and Krandasger grew better than any other. The Deerfield Purple was ready for harvest early but they produced smaller bulbs.
However, ease in cultivating is not the only characteristic we need to test these on. We need to taste the different varieties before we make a decision. Some of the hard to grow varieties may have flavors that justify the extra time and effort.
Most importantly I can now begin to see what types of garlic do well here and are worth planting this coming fall. By far the California and Pioneer Softneck and Krandasger grew better than any other. The Deerfield Purple was ready for harvest early but they produced smaller bulbs.
However, ease in cultivating is not the only characteristic we need to test these on. We need to taste the different varieties before we make a decision. Some of the hard to grow varieties may have flavors that justify the extra time and effort.