British horticulturist and lead presenter of BBC gardening show 'Gardeners' World' Monty Don has shared a must have tip for budding gardeners everywhere this summer. The tip will help people get the most 'depth and deliciousness' from their home-grown food.
Writing in his July blog, Monty wrote: "If the leaves are yellowing and seed heads are forming, this is a good indication that garlic and shallots are usually ready to harvest.
"The yellowing leaves and forming of seed heads is also a good indication that onions may be ready soon too - although they may need a few more weeks yet."
This was seconded by the gardening experts at GROeatFarm, who said: "Three amigos, shallots, garlic and onions, belong to the same family, the Alliums. They're like cousins who share a love for adding depth and deliciousness to our food."
Further advice included hobby gardeners using a fork to lift the garlic and shallots from the ground, instead of ripping them out with your hands. This will help not to damage the room, specifically the root plate, where it attaches to the bulb.
GB News reported that Monty also advised to then clean excess soil, without removing any foliage or roots. The vegetables should then be dried thoroughly either in a greenhouse or left on the soil if it is warm and dry.
Monty suggested letting the garlic and shallots 'absolutely dry' before 'topping and tailing' for story. This usually takes a few weeks.
"Carefully separate clusters into individual bulbs. The bulbs can either be used straight away or dried and stored for later use." Advised the Royal Horticultural Society.
One more task to consider completing as July rounds off is sorting out your seasonal lettuces.
Monty said: "Lettuce sown directly into the soil in July will germinate very quickly and can be ready for harvesting six to eight weeks after sowing."
"I tend to sow mine in plugs so I can protect the emerging seedlings more easily from slugs and snails, and then plant them out at nine-inch spacing in August, usually when I have cleared an earlier crop such as broad beans or peas to make space." He explained.
