Tips for Harvesting Garlic Scapes: Mastering the Method Is Key

1. Timing of harvest. Garlic scapes must be harvested at the right time. Harvesting too early results in low scape yields because the scape has not fully emerged, and after harvest an "excess scape" section will still push out. Harvesting too late not only affects the fresh, tender quality of the scapes because they have become "over-mature," but also reduces garlic bulb yields. The most suitable harvest time is: when the scape has emerged and the "scape tip" has curved nearly a full circle.

2. Choose overcast days or after the sun slants westward on sunny days for harvesting. Harvesting garlic scapes easily leaves "wounds" on the stems and leaves of the garlic. If harvested under strong sunlight on a sunny day, the large transpiration rate and excessive water loss will shorten leaf lifespan and affect garlic bulb growth. Overcast days and the time after the sun slants westward on sunny days are the best harvest weather; when harvesting in the rain, take care to step as little as possible between the garlic rows to prevent the soil from compacting.

3. Cleverly use a "needle" when harvesting: pick the scape without picking the leaves. In the past, many garlic farmers would pinch off the garlic scape together with the garlic leaves when harvesting, which affected garlic bulb yields. The best method is to use a "large needle" for sewing clothes or mending sack openings, insert it into the part where the scape is to be picked, slit vertically upward from below, then pinch off the scape and pull it out. Leave all the leaves for the garlic bulb to grow.

4. Apply fertilizer promptly once after harvesting. Garlic that has had its scapes harvested needs timely nutrient replenishment. Generally, apply 1000 kg-1500 kg of decomposed dilute human and livestock urine per mu as a soil drench, or use 100 g-150 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate plus 0.5 kg-1 kg of urea for foliar topdressing.