Submitted by Bronwyn Richards of Wynlen House 19 Feb 2020:
When there is a lot more moisture around it is time to re visit our garlic in storage. Particularly our seed for this seasons planting.
As this is an issue that is currently causing some concern for us (Wynlen House https://www.wynlenhouse.com/ ), I am sharing knowledge and thoughts:
The optimum storage temperature for bulbs for replanting is 10°C, with limits of 5°C and 18°C. Garlic stores best long term when it is kept between 12°C and 18°C and between 40% and 60% humidity.
Given the current wet weather (Feb 2020) the humidity tends to also be high. For example today in Braidwood the humidity is currently 74%. Yesterday the humidity sat between 75% and 90%. If Humidity goes higher than 60% for any extended period of time, fungus and molds can set in.
Most of us still have 6 - 10 weeks before we start planting our Turbans and this is plenty of time for high humidity to have a significant impact on its viability. The later planting times for mid and late season garlics means that constant monitoring will be required.
All the information sourced on storing garlic states: "Store garlic bulbs in cool, dry, well-ventilated dark conditions; place in well-ventilated containers such as mesh bags." Great, but how do we make sure we are creating the correct storage conditions of between 12°C and 18°C and between 40% and 60% humidity?
When there is a lot more moisture around it is time to re visit our garlic in storage. Particularly our seed for this seasons planting.
As this is an issue that is currently causing some concern for us (Wynlen House https://www.wynlenhouse.com/ ), I am sharing knowledge and thoughts:
The optimum storage temperature for bulbs for replanting is 10°C, with limits of 5°C and 18°C. Garlic stores best long term when it is kept between 12°C and 18°C and between 40% and 60% humidity.
Given the current wet weather (Feb 2020) the humidity tends to also be high. For example today in Braidwood the humidity is currently 74%. Yesterday the humidity sat between 75% and 90%. If Humidity goes higher than 60% for any extended period of time, fungus and molds can set in.
Most of us still have 6 - 10 weeks before we start planting our Turbans and this is plenty of time for high humidity to have a significant impact on its viability. The later planting times for mid and late season garlics means that constant monitoring will be required.
All the information sourced on storing garlic states: "Store garlic bulbs in cool, dry, well-ventilated dark conditions; place in well-ventilated containers such as mesh bags." Great, but how do we make sure we are creating the correct storage conditions of between 12°C and 18°C and between 40% and 60% humidity?
- First of all you can purchase humidity and temperature monitoring instruments (thermometer & hygrometer.) At least this will give you an idea of what the conditions of your storage environment is and whether your current storage is suitable.
- Beyond this then it may be necessary to start looking at specific storage and equipment to modify storage conditions. Many of us store our garlic in our shed and do not have purpose built storage. This may need to be a consideration in our changing climate. Most cool rooms and other types of fresh food storage including root cellars are based on high humidity storage (80% to 95% humidity).
- It also possible to purchase equipment to lower humidity (dehumidifiers). This may be the best solution particularly if you are planting and selling mid and to late season garlics. De-humidifiers are not cheap but the investment may be worthwhile.