Should I trim the brown tips?

You can trim them with clean scissors if you like, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.

Does sun exposure cause brown tips?

Garlic loves full sun, but extreme heat waves can cause some tip burn. Ensure they are well watered during hot spells.

Why do my garlic leaves have brown tips?

Check these first

Check the soil moisture at a depth of 2 inches.
Examine the soil surface for white crusty salt deposits.
Review your recent fertilizer applications.

Likely causes

Inconsistent Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf remains green. This happens when the soil fluctuates between very dry and very wet.
What to do: Maintain an even moisture level by watering every 5 to 10 days. Apply a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moisture stable.
Salt Buildup
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear even when you are watering regularly. This can happen if you use heavy fertilizers or if your water source is high in minerals.
What to do: Flush the soil with a deep watering to wash away excess salts. Switch to a balanced, organic fertilizer.

When to worry

Minor browning at the very tips is common as the plant matures. Worry only if the browning moves rapidly down the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Mulch your garlic bed with straw to keep soil moisture consistent and protect roots from heat.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your garlic.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Should I trim the brown tips?: You can trim them with clean scissors if you like, but it is not strictly necessary for the plant's health.
Does sun exposure cause brown tips?: Garlic loves full sun, but extreme heat waves can cause some tip burn. Ensure they are well watered during hot spells.