For stubborn dirt that won’t wipe away with fingers or a cloth, try using an old toothbrush to go over the bulbs. Be gentle, though, so you don’t bruise the garlic when you’re cleaning it. If the garlic is extremely dirty, you may want to remove a couple of the outer layers of dry skin.
If you notice that any of the leaves are jagged or scraggy, you may want to trim them as well because they can make it more difficult to braid.
Instead of soaking the leaves, you can sandwich them between two thoroughly wet towels. Once again, make sure the bulbs are not getting wet, and let the leaves sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
It helps to secure the place where the bulbs overlap with a piece of twine. Make sure that the piece you use is long enough to knot over the bulbs with enough excess that you can secure additional bulbs that you place in the braid.
Take the time to line them up as much as possible because it’ll be easier when it comes time to braid.
You may find it easier to secure the braid with more twine before you add more bulbs. Just tie the knot in the back to keep it neat.
It’s a good idea to use twine to secure the bundle of bulbs after you’ve added the last set. That will make it easier to finish off the rest of the braid. To make it more decorative, tie it off in a bow.
You may also want to make the time to trim the fine roots at the tops of the bulbs to give the braid a neater appearance.
Make sure to keep garlic that you’re curing out of direct sunlight because the heat can start to cook it and change its flavor.
Don’t remove any leaves or do any trimming when you’re preparing the bundles of garlic. The bulbs still gets energy from the rest of the plant until all of the moisture is gone.
When you plan to braid your garlic, it’s often easier if you don’t allow it to fully cure. Let it go for about a week, and then braid it when the stems are still flexible.
Dry soil around the plants is another sign that your garlic is ready to be harvested. If you aren’t sure whether your garlic is ready to be harvested, remove one or two bulb to examine them. They should be a good size, and the skins should be completely filled.
Be careful when you’re using the fork or shovel around the bulbs. Garlic is delicate, so it can bruise easily.
It’s usually best to use a spade or shovel to lift the garlic out of the ground because it’s easier to damage if you use a pointed tool like a garden fork. Keep the garlic out of the sun after you harvest it. Place the container that’s holding the bulbs in the shade or cover it with a sheet.
