Gardening expert Monty Don has identified July as the prime time to harvest two key crops: garlic and shallots. He advises gardeners to look for yellowing leaves and forming seed heads as signs that these bulbs are ready.
How to Harvest Garlic and Shallots
When harvesting, always lift bulbs using a fork. Never pull them manually, as tugging risks harming the roots and the root-plate where roots connect to the bulb. After lifting, remove surplus soil but do not cut back foliage or roots before drying.
Bulbs can be left to dry on the ground if the weather is warm and dry, arranged on a homemade rack of chicken wire stretched across posts, or dried in a greenhouse. Allow a few weeks for complete drying, then top, tail, and transfer into storage.
Planting Tips for Garlic and Shallots
For those who do not yet have garlic, the best planting time is autumn, between October and December. Plant in well-drained, sunny soil, separating bulbs into individual cloves with skin on where possible. Position cloves 10-15 cm apart, pointed end upwards, buried by approximately 2.5-3 cm of soil. Add mulch to preserve moisture and prevent weeds.
Shallots should be planted from late autumn to early spring in a sunny, well-draining location. Position bulbs with pointed end upwards, tips just showing above soil, spaced 15-20 cm apart. Each set will grow into a cluster of five to ten shallots.
Other July Crops
Monty Don also encourages harvesting other plants now for optimal quality. He notes on his website: "We harvest basil by the trug load and make pesto to eat fresh and to freeze… The rhubarb and asparagus have their last picking at the beginning of the month." Soft fruits like strawberries, summer raspberries, gooseberries, and currants are also ready for harvest.
