Harvesting and Drying

 Drying Drying is the stage that a lot of people take for granted.  In the Frazer Valley we have very warm humid conditions in the summer.  You often see pictures of garlic hanging outdoors or in a shed to dry.  While this works good in warm, dry climates it can lead to disaster on the west coast.  If the garlic experiences warm conditions and humidity above 50% your garlic is very succeptible to rot.  The problem is that the garlic may look dry on the outside, but during humid nights the bulb will reabsorb humidity and before you know it rot may set in.  We recommend a room with less than 50% relative humidity and forced ventilation to ensure success.  It is not a good idea to dry the garlic with the stems and roots attached.  Again while this works in a climate such as the Okanogan or California, it just adds to the amount of moisture that you need to remove.  In addition, the roots will continue to absorb moisture during the drying stage slowing the drying process.  So cut off the stems and roots and dry in well ventilated crates.