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When and How to Harvest Garlic and Onions in July
? Introduction: July Is the Month for Harvesting Alliums
Garlic and onions are two of the most satisfying crops to grow — and if you’ve planted them in autumn or early spring, July is when your patience finally pays off.
The key to harvesting these alliums is timing. Harvest too early, and the bulbs may be underdeveloped. Leave them too long, and they could split, rot, or become unusable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly when and how to harvest garlic and onions in July, including:
- Signs they’re ready for harvest
- Best time of day and weather conditions for lifting
- How to cure and store your harvest
- Common problems to avoid
- FAQs about allium harvesting and aftercare
Let’s make sure your onion and garlic harvest this July is your best one yet!
? When Are Garlic and Onions Ready to Harvest in the UK?
In the UK, garlic and onions planted in autumn (October–November) or early spring (February–March) are usually ready to harvest in July, depending on the weather and variety.
| Crop | Typical Harvest Time | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Early to mid-July | ~240–270 days |
| Onions | Mid to late July | ~90–120 days |
Tip: Mild winters and warm springs can bring the harvest forward by a week or two. Rainy summers can delay things slightly.
? How to Tell When Garlic Is Ready to Harvest
Garlic doesn’t signal it’s ready in the same way as fruit or veg. Look for these signs:
✅ Harvest garlic when:
- 3–4 lower leaves have yellowed or browned, but top leaves are still green
- The bulbs feel firm and have formed distinct cloves
- You planted them 7–8 months ago
Avoid waiting until all leaves die back — this can lead to bulbs splitting in the ground or going mouldy during storage.
Hardneck garlic may also send up a flower stalk (scape) — snap these off early and use them in cooking to help focus energy into the bulb.
? How to Tell When Onions Are Ready to Harvest
Onions are a bit more obvious when they’re done growing.
✅ Harvest onions when:
- Leaves begin to yellow and fall over naturally
- The necks become soft and the bulbs swell above the soil
- This usually happens late July to early August
Do not force the foliage down to speed things up — this can damage the necks and shorten storage life.
?️ Best Conditions for Harvesting Garlic and Onions
Timing your harvest on a dry day is critical.
Ideal Conditions:
- Dry soil for easy lifting and minimal rot risk
- Sunny, dry weather for at least a few days afterwards (for curing)
- Morning or evening harvests are best to avoid midday heat
? How to Harvest Garlic and Onions (Step-by-Step)
? Harvesting Garlic:
- Loosen the soil gently around the bulb with a hand fork
- Lift the bulb carefully by the base — don’t pull from the stalk
- Shake off excess soil but don’t wash the bulbs
- Lay them out flat or hang in bunches to dry (see curing section below)
? Harvesting Onions:
- Wait until 80–90% of the tops have fallen over naturally
- Use a fork to lift them gently from the base
- Brush off soil — again, don’t wash them
- Lay out in a single layer to cure
Tip: Keep harvested bulbs out of direct rain and off damp ground.
?️ How to Cure Garlic and Onions for Storage
Curing is the process of drying your harvest so it stores well and avoids rot.
How to Cure:
- Lay bulbs in a single layer on a wire rack, tray, or cardboard in a dry, airy place (like a shed or greenhouse)
- Alternatively, hang them in bunches or braids
- Avoid direct sunlight — it can scorch or bleach the bulbs
- Turn bulbs every few days to allow even drying
- Curing usually takes 2–3 weeks
Once cured:
- Trim roots with scissors
- Cut stalks to about 1 inch (or leave them for braiding)
- Store in cool, dark, dry conditions
? Storage Tips for Garlic and Onions
| Crop | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Mesh bag or plaited braid | 6–9 months |
| Onions | Crates, net bags, braids | 4–8 months |
Do Not:
- Store in plastic bags (encourages rot)
- Keep in the fridge (too humid)
- Leave in damp sheds or garages
Tip: Check monthly and remove any bulbs showing signs of rot or softness.
? Can You Replant Garlic and Onion Bulbs?
Yes — you can save cloves or sets from your best bulbs.
- For garlic: Choose large, firm cloves and store until autumn planting
- For onions: Allow one bulb to go to seed next year for homegrown onion sets or seeds
This is a great way to build up locally adapted strains in your own garden.
⚠️ Common Problems at Harvest Time
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbs are small | Planted late or overcrowded | Plant earlier next season |
| Bulbs are split | Left in too long | Harvest sooner next time |
| Soft/mouldy bulbs | Wet weather at harvest | Cure properly, don’t wash bulbs |
| Bulbs pulled too early | Foliage still green | Wait for leaf dieback |
| No bulb formed (garlic) | Planted in spring or poor soil | Try autumn planting with richer soil |
? Bonus: What to Plant After Harvesting Garlic & Onions
Once you’ve lifted your alliums, don’t waste the space!
Great follow-on crops:
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Spinach
- Chard
- Pak choi
- Beetroot
- Green manure (e.g. mustard, phacelia) to replenish soil
Tip: Add compost before replanting to replenish nutrients.
? Top 10 Questions About Harvesting Garlic & Onions
1. Can I harvest garlic before the leaves die back?
Yes — harvest when the lower leaves have turned brown, but upper leaves are still green.
2. Should I wash garlic or onions after harvesting?
No — simply brush off loose soil. Washing introduces moisture that can cause rot.
3. Can I eat garlic straight after harvesting?
Yes — fresh (or “wet”) garlic is delicious and milder. But cure it if you plan to store it.
4. Why are my onion bulbs soft after lifting?
Likely due to disease, poor drainage, or too much rain before harvesting.
5. Do I need to dry onions before storing them?
Yes — curing is essential for long shelf life and avoiding rot.
6. What should I do with garlic scapes?
Harvest them young and use in stir-fries, pesto, or grilled dishes.
7. Can I leave garlic or onions in the ground until August?
Not recommended — they may split or rot in the soil. Harvest once mature.
8. How can I tell if my garlic has formed proper cloves?
Lift one bulb and check. If it’s well-cloved and firm, the rest are likely ready too.
9. Can I use damaged bulbs?
Yes — but use them straight away, and don’t store them.
10. How should I store garlic indoors?
In a mesh bag or open basket, away from heat or humidity.
? Conclusion: July Is the Time to Reap the Allium Rewards
Garlic and onions have been quietly growing for months beneath your feet — and now it’s time to lift, cure, and store them for months of flavour to come.
By following this guide, you’ll know exactly when to harvest, how to handle the bulbs, and what to do next for great storage and delicious cooking results.
So grab your fork, check your leaves, and start harvesting! Your July kitchen is about to get a whole lot tastier.