There’s a heated debate among gardeners about the need to remove garlic stalks. I’d like to point out right away that removing stalks is indeed necessary to ensure a good harvest.

However, as experience shows, many gardeners do this incorrectly, which can lead to a decrease in yield, and sometimes even to a complete loss of the crop.

Why is it necessary to remove flower stalks from garlic? It all depends on the purpose of the plant. If the garlic is intended for seed, the stalks may not be removed.

But if the goal is to harvest garlic for food, the stems are a hindrance, as flowering and seed ripening take up significant resources, resulting in small, less flavorful cloves that also store poorly.

In this case, it’s best to tackle the problem wisely. Some gardeners prefer to break or remove the stems, while others trim them, leaving a small stump about 1 cm long.

However, even after such treatment, the shoot may continue to grow, which can lead to loss of sap and the attraction of pests and infections that can destroy the plant.

The correct way to remove winged eyelashes is to gently pull them out. This should be done early in their development, when the winged eyelashes are still young and not fully curled.

Grasp the stem at its base with one hand and support the stem with the other. Slowly pull it out until you hear a distinctive click. Avoid sudden movements to avoid damaging the plant.

This method allows you to avoid unnecessary injury to the garlic and maintain its health and productivity.